Due to the declaration of a public health emergency throughout the state of Indiana as a result of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) and the issuance of Governor Holcomb's Executive Order 21-24, on September 1, 2021, 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. 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 a rise in COVID-19 cases, increased demands are straining hospital systems throughout the state. On September 1, 2021, Governor Holcomb issued Executive Order 21-24 (EO 21-24), which directed licensed hospitals to ensure sufficient capacity and staffing, and where necessary, to reprioritize or postpone non-emergent surgeries or procedures.

To support hospitals, providers, and Hoosiers whose surgeries or procedures have been delayed or postponed, the IDOI strongly encourages insurers in Indiana to extend prior authorization timeframes for open and approved authorizations for one hundred eighty (180) days from the expiration date of the prior authorization. This extension applies only to prior authorizations for non-emergent surgeries or procedures postponed to ensure sufficient COVID-19 response capabilities.

Questions regarding this bulletin should be directed to Heather Alford at halford@idoi.in.gov.

INDIANA DEPARTMENT OF INSURANCE

Amy L. Beard

Insurance Commissioner

DIN: 20210908-IR-760210392NRA

Composed: Apr 24,2024 3:25:47AM EDT

A PDF version of this document.