As you navigate your health care, it’s important to note there are certain medical services or provider visits that will require prior authorization by us. The process below will help walk you through whether your in-plan provider needs to obtain a prior authorization. Services provided in an emergency room do not require a prior authorization. If you receive services without an approved prior authorization request, the claim may be denied if it is not found eligible for coverage. You may be financially responsible for the full cost of any service or drug for which prior authorization was not requested when required.
We require prior authorizations so our Utilization Management team can review the medical necessity of the recommended service or visit and make sure you are getting appropriate care.
Medical necessity means that the treatment, services or supplies from your provider or hospital are required to identify or treat your illness or injury. We will determine if they are:
Just because a doctor has performed or prescribed a procedure or treatment or the fact that it may be the only treatment for an injury or illness doesn't mean that it is medically necessary.
Keep in mind, a prior authorization will not change the benefits under your plan. If a service is an exclusion of your plan a prior authorization will not change the fact that the service is not a covered benefit. If the services are covered under your plan, and your prior authorization is approved, they are still subject to any applicable cost sharing (i.e. copays or deductibles).
To find out if a service is a covered benefit under your plan:
Some medical services require our approval before you receive the service. Our prior authorization process helps ensure you receive medically necessary care at the right time with the right provider. Your plan provider should submit prior authorization requests as soon as possible prior to your scheduled services to ensure a determination can be made prior to their receipt.
If your provider is recommending you see a specialist outside of the network, they must submit a prior authorization request. You’ll receive our determination by mail or you can call our Customer Care Center to check on the status of the prior authorization.
We recommend that you wait to receive services with an out-of-network provider until you receive a determination from us regarding the authorization your provider has submitted. Be aware that you will be financially responsible for the full cost of any service with an out-of-network provider if the authorization your provider has submitted is denied.
If your provider recommends you receive a procedure or medical service, a prior authorization may be required. If it is required, your provider is responsible for obtaining the approval before providing the procedure or service.
You can see our list of services that require a prior authorization as well as our internal health plan medical policies. If you need more information, contact our Customer Care Center at 866-514-4194 or the number on the back of your member card.
Your provider will help you coordinate the care you need. All plan providers have someone who works on acquiring authorizations for their patients.
When we receive a prior authorization request from your plan provider and if you reside in Illinois if it is prior to the service being provided (prior authorization) the determination is made within 48 hours of receiving an urgent request or within 5 calendar days of receiving a non-urgent request. If the request is received while you are receiving a service, such as an inpatient admission (urgent concurrent request), the determination is made within 24 hours or as soon as the necessary medical information is received but will not exceed 72 hours. If the request is received after the service has been completed (post-service) the determination is made within 30 calendar days. Remember, even with a prior authorization, not all services are covered at 100%. You will be responsible for the co-pays and deductibles outlined in your Member Certificate.
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