MedicaidPrior AuthMedium impact
Alaska Medicaid Town Hall Presentation - 20230816
Alaska Medicaid·AK · Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Speech Therapy·Program Update
Effective date
Nov 1, 2023
We identified it
Jun 21, 2026
Summary
Alaska Medicaid has delayed implementation of utilization limits for adult therapy services (PT, OT, speech) until November 2023, meaning no prior authorization is required for services exceeding threshold limits until then. New guidance also clarifies when DMEPOS service authorizations can be submitted as urgent (hospital discharge within 48 hours with equipment ready) or delayed (retroactive eligibility, supplier delays).
Action Required
Before November 2023: Prepare for new prior authorization process for adult therapy services exceeding threshold limits by reviewing treatment plan requirements in Alaska regulations 7 AAC 115.120 (OT), 7 AAC 115.220 (outpatient therapy), 7 AAC 115.320 (PT), and 7 AAC 115.420 (speech). For DMEPOS providers: Update service authorization submission procedures to follow new urgent/delayed guidelines - mark urgent requests only when patient discharges within 48 hours AND equipment is available on discharge date, and clearly document reasons for delayed submissions on fax cover sheets.