MedicaidPrior AuthMedium impact
BT202178: IHCP COVID-19 Response: IHCP temporarily revises time frames for certain PA approvals
Indiana Medicaid (IHCP)·IN · General Surgery, Orthopedics, Cardiothoracic Surgery +8 more·Provider Bulletin
Effective date
Sep 1, 2021
We identified it
Jun 19, 2026
Summary
Indiana Health Coverage Programs (IHCP) is automatically extending existing prior authorizations for nonemergent surgeries and procedures by 180 days from their original expiration date due to COVID-19 hospital capacity issues. This extension applies to both Traditional Medicaid and managed care programs for procedures postponed starting September 1, 2021.
Action Required
Immediately: Billing team should verify extended prior authorization dates in the IHCP Provider Healthcare Portal and IVR system for any nonemergent surgeries or procedures that were postponed due to COVID-19. Update internal tracking systems to reflect the automatic 180-day extensions for existing PAs with authorized date ranges including Sept. 1, 2021.