MedicaidPrior AuthHigh impact
Hospital Participation in the Screening, Assessment and Support Services (SASS) Program
Illinois Medicaid - HFS·IL · Psychiatry, Pediatrics, Emergency Medicine·Provider Notice
Effective date
Jul 1, 2004
We identified it
Jun 21, 2026
Summary
Illinois hospitals must now obtain prior screening through the SASS program before admitting children/adolescents under 21 for psychiatric services covered by Medicaid, KidCare, DCFS, or DHS. Hospitals must call CARES at 1-800-345-9049 before admission and coordinate with SASS providers for treatment and discharge planning to receive reimbursement.
Action Required
By July 1, 2004: Billing and clinical staff must call CARES at 1-800-345-9049 before admitting any child/adolescent under 21 for psychiatric services when diagnosis codes appear on department's utilization review list. Coordinate with assigned SASS provider within 90 minutes for screening and involve them in treatment/discharge planning. Contact HSI for utilization review on second day of admission. Failure to follow SASS requirements will result in claim denials starting September 1, 2004.