MedicaidPrior AuthMedium impact
Children's Mental Health Screening, Assessment and Support Services (SASS) Program
Illinois Medicaid - HFS·IL · Psychiatry, Pediatrics, Emergency Medicine +1 more·Provider Notice
Effective date
Jul 1, 2004
We identified it
Jun 21, 2026
Summary
Illinois is implementing a new statewide Screening, Assessment and Support Services (SASS) program for children's mental health starting July 1, 2004. Providers must contact CARES at 1-800-345-9049 before admitting children for psychiatric services, and hospitals are required to obtain prior approval through this system.
Action Required
By July 1, 2004: All providers serving children must contact CARES at 1-800-345-9049 before psychiatric admissions or when children are at risk for hospitalization. Hospitals must obtain prior approval through CARES before admitting children for psychiatric services. Update intake procedures to include CARES contact requirement. Failure to contact CARES may result in authorization issues.