Two bulletins issued recently by the Indiana Health Coverage Programs (IHCP) are of special interest to physicians. The first announces a limited opportunity for new independent external reviews. The second clarifies some rescinded COVID-19 policies and outlines others that have become permanent. Gov. Eric Holcomb also extended the COVID-19 public health emergency for 30 more days.

48 are eligible for new IRO
After Anthem and MDWise failed to comply with a contract obligation to rotate through a list of independent review organizations (IROs) when permitting a member to seek  review of a denial of authorization, the Family and Social Services Administration found 48 members had subsequently received an adverse decision from an IRO in 2020. Those members or their representatives now have until Oct. 31, 2021, to request a new independent external review. Read BT202164 here.

Rescinded policies clarified
IHCP recently rescinded some changes it had made in COVID-19 policies to help members during the COVID-19 public health emergency (PHE). A new bulletin clarifies some of those changes and explains other temporary changes that have become permanent. Topics addressed include home health prior authorization and telehealth policies, telehealth verbal consent, and in-state ground transportation. Read BT202167 here.
PHE extended until Aug. 30

On July 29, Gov. Eric Holcomb extended Indiana’s COVID-19 PHE declaration until Aug. 30 in Executive Order (EO) 21-18. EO 21-19 extends some provisions in EO 21-17 with regard to temporary licensing, registration requirements and insurance coverage for certain Indiana or out-of-state health care providers, COVID-19 vaccine administration, unemployment benefits, Indiana Medicaid and HIP, and waiver of penalties and interest in unemployment compensation taxation. Read all executive orders here.