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BT202179: IHCP COVID-19 Response: IHCP reinstates inpatient SUD and psychiatric admission policy changes
Act
immediately
Effective date
Sep 8, 2021
Identified
Jun 19, 2026
Summary
Indiana Medicaid (IHCP) has reinstated temporary COVID-19 policy changes for inpatient substance use disorder and psychiatric admissions, effective September 8, 2021. The policy simplifies prior authorization requirements, allows 7-day initial authorizations with basic information only, and permits virtual assessments within 24 hours of intake.
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What to do
immediately · 5 steps
01Billing team must update prior authorization workflow for Indiana Medicaid inpatient SUD and psychiatric admissions.
02Submit PA requests within 72 hours of admission using basic information only (no clinical documentation required initially).
03Complete virtual or in-person COVID-19 screening questionnaire within 24 hours of intake.
04Maintain all documentation for post-payment review.
05Request continuation authorizations by day 7 with full clinical documentation.
Original notice
BT202179: IHCP COVID-19 Response: IHCP reinstates inpatient SUD and psychiatric admission policy changes
in.gov · Always check the source before changing claims.
Related changes
See all Indiana Medicaid (IHCP) changes →BT202030: IHCP temporarily revises PA process for acute care hospital inpatient admissionsHighEffective Apr 1, 2020 · Provider BulletinBT202042: IHCP COVID-19 Response: IHCP revises policies for certain behavioral health servicesHighEffective Apr 9, 2020 · Specialty ServicesBT202174: IHCP temporarily reinstates revisions to PA process for acute care hospital non-elective inpatient admissionsHighEffective Aug 30, 2021 · Provider BulletinBT202215: IHCP rescinds certain temporary COVID-19 policy changesHighEffective Apr 1, 2022 · Medical PolicyBrowse every Indiana Medicaid (IHCP) change in the policy list