Extension of Approved Prior Authorizations

Indiana Department of Insurance December 31, 2020 Bulletin 256 EXTENSION OF APPROVED PRIOR AUTHORIZATIONS This bulletin is directed to all insurers issuing accident and sickness insurance policies, as defined at IC§ 27-8-5-1, and all health maintenance organizations ("HMOs"), as defined at IC§ 27-13-1-19, (collectively, "Insurers"). Due to the declaration of a public health emergency tmoughounhe State oflncliana as a result of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 ("COVID-19"), the Indiana Department of Insurance ("IDOI") issues this bulletin to address certain measures to alleviate the impact of COVID-19 on hospitals, providers, and Hoosiers. f-------··-- nue_to_axise_in_COVJD.,:l9_cases,increased.demands_are_straining_hospitaLs~stems_thmughout. ______, the state. On December 10, 2020, Governor Holcomb issued Executive Order 20-50 ("EO 20- 50"), which directed licensed hospitals to postpone and/or reschedule non-emergent procedures to be performed in an in-patient setting from December 16, 2020 through January 3, 2021. To support hospitals, providers, and Hoosiers whose surgeries-have been delayed, ·ili.e 1DOI calls -on-Insurers-to extend prior-authorization timeframes for open and approved authorizations by 180 days. Insurers are encouraged to extend any approved prior authorizations for 180 days from the expiration date ofthe prior authorization. This extension only applies to those prior authorizations that were approved before December 16, 2020. Questions regarding this Bulletin should be directed to Heather Alford at compliance@idoi.in.gov INDIANA DEPARTMENT OF INSURANCE Stephen . Robertson, Insurance Commissioner