MedicaidAdministrativeHigh impact
August 2024 Town Hall Presentation
Alaska Medicaid·AK · Psychiatry, Dentistry·Program Update
Effective date
Oct 1, 2024
We identified it
Jun 21, 2026
Summary
Alaska Medicaid is transitioning behavioral health claims processing from Optum to HMS, with phased implementation starting October 1, 2024 for certain provider types and November 1, 2024 for all behavioral health providers. The policy also updates dental claim forms to ADA 2024 version and clarifies backup ventilator coverage rules.
Action Required
By October 1, 2024: Independent Psychologists, LCSWs, LPCs, and LMFTs must submit new claims (DOS October 1+) to HMS instead of Optum, while continuing to submit old claims (DOS before October 1) to Optum. By November 1, 2024: All behavioral health providers including Mental Health Clinics, Autism services, and 1115 Waiver services must submit ALL claims to HMS regardless of date of service. Dental providers must immediately use ADA 2024 claim forms as the 2019 version is no longer accepted. Update billing systems and staff training accordingly.