MedicaidPrior AuthMedium impact
Freestanding Psychiatric Hospital for Adults - In Lieu of Service - MEDICAID - LOUISIANA (New)
Humana·LA · Psychiatry·Medicaid
Effective date
Dec 8, 2025
We identified it
Jun 24, 2026
Summary
Humana Louisiana Medicaid now covers freestanding psychiatric hospital admissions as an In Lieu of Service for adults aged 21-64, effective December 8, 2025. This new benefit requires prior authorization and serves as an alternative to general hospital psychiatric units for members with significant behavioral health challenges.
Action Required
Before December 8, 2025: Billing team must update prior authorization processes for freestanding psychiatric hospital admissions for Humana Louisiana Medicaid members aged 21-64. Verify MCG Guidelines compliance for psychiatric diagnoses and ensure prior auth is obtained before admission. Update encounter forms to remind providers of this new ILOS option. Claims without prior authorization will be subject to clinical review and potential denial.