COVID-19 Delta Variant Surge advisory on temporary prior-authorization waivers for post-acute care
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Advisory urging North Carolina-licensed insurers to temporarily waive prior authorization for post-acute care (skilled nursing, home health, residential treatment) to accelerate hospital discharges during the COVID-19 delta surge; requests insurers notify the Department whether and for how long they will waive these requirements.
Request to temporarily waive prior authorization requirements for post-acute care (skilled nursing facilities, home health, and residential treatment centers) for at least 30 days during the delta surge.
Request that insurers communicate to the Department whether they are temporarily waiving prior authorization requirements and the duration of such waivers.
Department Coverage Request
Temporary waiver request
The Department requests insurers take the following temporary coverage-related action during the surge:
Requested Provider / Payer Actions
Temporarily waive prior authorization for post-acute care
The Department requests insurers temporarily waive prior authorization requirements for post-acute care (including skilled nursing facilities, home health, and residential treatment centers) for at least 30 days from the date of this advisory and until hospitalization rates have lowered.
- Applies to post-acute placements in skilled nursing facilities, home health, and residential treatment centers.
- Requested duration: at least 30 days from the date of the advisory and continuing until hospitalization rates have lowered.
- Insurers should notify the Department whether they are implementing the temporary waiver and the duration of any waiver.
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