MedicaidPrior AuthHigh impact
BT202096: IHCP COVID-19 Response: IHCP clarifies policy on PA process for acute care hospital inpatient admissions
Indiana Medicaid (IHCP)·IN · Emergency Medicine, Critical Care·Medical Policy
Effective date
Aug 27, 2020
We identified it
Jun 19, 2026
Summary
IHCP clarifies that Medicaid managed care entities must automatically approve initial prior authorizations for acute care hospital inpatient admissions for up to 60 days without requiring clinical documentation, as part of their COVID-19 response. MCEs can only request clinical information for care coordination and discharge planning during the initial authorization period.
Action Required
Immediately: Billing team should verify that inpatient admissions for IHCP Medicaid managed care patients receive automatic prior authorization approval for up to 60 days. Update workflows to ensure initial authorizations are processed without clinical documentation requirements. For continuation beyond initial authorization, prepare to provide clinical information and medical necessity documentation.