MedicaidPrior AuthHigh impact
BT202174: IHCP temporarily reinstates revisions to PA process for acute care hospital non-elective inpatient admissions
Indiana Medicaid (IHCP)·IN · Emergency Medicine, Critical Care·Provider Bulletin
Effective date
Aug 30, 2021
We identified it
Jun 19, 2026
Summary
Indiana Medicaid (IHCP) has temporarily reinstated a streamlined prior authorization process for acute care hospital non-elective inpatient admissions due to increased COVID-19 cases. Hospitals only need to submit basic information without clinical documentation, and authorizations will be automatically approved for 60 days.
Action Required
Immediately: Hospital billing teams must submit PA requests within 72 hours of member admission using only basic information on the IHCP Prior Authorization Request Form (no clinical documentation required). Submit through MCE provider portal, IHCP Portal, or paper form. Ensure all required fields are completed: provider number/tax ID/address, member ID/name/DOB, start/stop dates, procedure/revenue codes, ICD diagnosis codes, preparer info, units, and signature. Note: This does NOT apply to psychiatric/SUD admissions or elective services which still require full clinical documentation.