Thanks again to advocacy efforts by the Texas Medical Association (TMA), the deadline for physicians to file Medicaid claims with Medicaid managed care organizations (MCOs) for non-emergency services to patients affected by Hurricane Harvey has been extended to 120 days from the date of service, the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) said Wednesday. TMA had requested the standard 95-day deadline be pushed back.
The extension also applies to claims filed with the Texas Medicaid & Healthcare Partnership, officials said.
“This requirement extends to services delivered by providers located in a Federal Emergency Management Agency-declared disaster county between Aug. 25, 2017, and the date on which the disaster declaration is rescinded,” HHSC said in the announcement.
MCOs always must allow emergency services to be provided out of network.
HHSC previously required that MCOs allow patients who have been displaced by Hurricane Harvey to receive out-of-network care for nonemergency services.
HHSC and the state’s largest health plans already have posted some other changes and guidance on policies related to Hurricane Harvey recovery.
More information on Hurricane Harvey recovery can be found in TMA's Disaster Preparedness and Response Resource Center, or by contacting the TMA Knowledge Center at knowledge[at]texmed[dot]org or (800) 880-7955.
TMA’s Disaster Relief Program has received nearly $1 million to help physicians with uncompensated damage to their medical practice caused by Hurricane Harvey. TMA’s philanthropic arm, TMA Foundation, is overseeing fundraising, and The Physicians Benevolent Fund is administering the TMA Disaster Relief Program. To apply for funds through The Physicians Benevolent Fund, email disaster[at]texmed[dot]org.
Last Updated On
September 20, 2017
Originally Published On
September 20, 2017