CurrentIndependent HealthPolicy N/A

Mobile Crisis Telephonic Triage and Response Service

Independent Health will cover Mobile Crisis Telephonic Triage and Response services for members under age 21 effective March 1, 2024; service remains available for members 21 and older and is accessible 24/7 via 988 call/text/chat.

Policy Summary

PayerIndependent Health

PolicyMobile Crisis Telephonic Triage and Response Service

Policy CodePolicy N/A

Change TypeCoverage expanded to members under age 21

Effective DateMar 1, 2024

Next Review DateN/A

Key ActionMembers under age 21 may use their Independent Health plan card to access the Mobile Crisis Telephonic Triage and Response service starting March 1, 2024.

SourceLink

POLICY UPDATE CHANGES

Coverage for Mobile Crisis Telephonic Triage and Response service extended to members under age 21 effective March 1, 2024.

Under 21Newly covered member age group

21+Previously covered member age group

24/7Crisis access availability

716-250-7183 / 1-833-891-9372Member Services

Coverage Criteria

Coverage

Covered when the following applies

Coverage criteria for Mobile Crisis Telephonic Triage and Response: Service is covered for members under age 21 effective March 1, 2024; service is already available for members 21 and older.

Members under age 21 may use their Independent Health plan card to access the service starting March 1, 2024 (previously accessed with Medicaid card).

No explicit exclusions are stated in this policy document.

None stated.

Provider Actions and Requirements

Prior Authorization

Prior Authorization / Denial

Policy Summary

PayerIndependent Health

PolicyMobile Crisis Telephonic Triage and Response Service

Policy CodePolicy N/A

Change TypeCoverage expanded to members under age 21

Effective DateMar 1, 2024

Next Review DateN/A

Key ActionMembers under age 21 may use their Independent Health plan card to access the Mobile Crisis Telephonic Triage and Response service starting March 1, 2024.

SourceLink

On This Page

No prior authorization or denial triggers are specified for Mobile Crisis Telephonic Triage and Response services in this policy.

Effective date: 2024-03-01
Coverage expanded to members under age 21
Members under 21 may use their Independent Health plan card to access the service as of the effective date

Note

Coverage Expansion — Members <21

Members under age 21 are newly eligible to use their Independent Health plan card to access the Mobile Crisis Telephonic Triage and Response service beginning March 1, 2024. Previously, members under 21 accessed the service using their Medicaid card; members 21 and older were already covered.

As of 2024-03-01, members <21: use Independent Health plan card
Members 21+: coverage unchanged

Billing Rule

Provider Impact / Billing Notes

Provider action highlight: There are no additional prior authorization, billing, or documentation changes specified in this update beyond the coverage expansion to members under 21. Providers should bill and document as they have prior to this effective date and verify member eligibility and card type at the time of service.

Verify member eligibility and whether the member will present an Independent Health plan card or Medicaid card
No new prior authorization requirements stated as of 2024-03-01
Contact Member Services for questions: 716-250-7183 or 1-833-891-9372 (TTY: 711)

Background

Mobile crisis teams provide telephonic triage and response for mental health and substance-use crises, offering support, linkage to other services, and prevention of relapse. Typical presenting symptoms include increased anxiety, depression, stress due to a major life event or changes, or concerns about relapse. Members and families can call or text 988 or chat via the 988 Lifeline for immediate, 24/7 crisis support and to be connected to additional services.

Definitions

inv-09: Mobile Crisis Telephonic Triage and Response — definition and compact attributes

DefinitionMobile Crisis Telephonic Triage and Response service: a telephonic service staffed by professionals to provide crisis support, triage, and linkage to other services.

Coverage effective dateCoverage for members under age 21 effective March 1, 2024.

Existing coverageService already available to members 21 years of age and older.

Access method for youth before changeMembers under age 21 could previously access the service using their Medicaid card.

Access method after changeEffective March 1, 2024, members under age 21 may use their Independent Health plan card to receive this service.

Level of Care Criteria

Treatment Modalities

Mobile Crisis Telephonic Triage and Response

Mobile Crisis Telephonic Triage and Response: Provides 24/7 access via 988 call or text and web chat for immediate crisis support, triage, and linkage to services; covered for members as described in the Coverage section.

For more information or assistance, contact Member Services at 716-250-7183 or 1-833-891-9372 (TTY 711).

Visit Limits

inv-12: Mobile Crisis Telephonic Triage and Response — Not specified

Visit limitsNot specified in the document.

24/7 crisis accessCrisis support available via call or text to 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Member Services contactCall Member Services at 716-250-7183 or 1-833-891-9372 (TTY: 711) for more information.