MedicaidAdministrativeMedium impact
Clarification on Screening and Assessment Services Prior to Inpatient Psychiatric Admission for Youth Enrolled with a Managed Care Organization
Illinois Medicaid - HFS·IL · Psychiatry·Provider Notice
Effective date
Mar 5, 2015
We identified it
Jun 20, 2026
Summary
Healthcare providers must now coordinate with Medicaid Managed Care Organizations (MCOs) to ensure youth under 21 receive required screening and assessment services prior to inpatient psychiatric admission. MCOs are developing mobile crisis response systems to replace the SASS program for their enrolled members.
Action Required
Immediately: Billing and admissions staff must verify patient eligibility through Electronic Data Interchange, AVRS (1-800-842-1461), or MEDI system to identify MCO enrollment before psychiatric admissions for youth under 21. Contact the patient's MCO to understand their specific screening requirements and prior approval processes. For questions, call SASS Helpline at 217-557-1000. Failure to comply with screening requirements may result in claim denials for inpatient psychiatric services.