COVID-19 information from Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield (Anthem)
Anthem is committed to helping our members gain timely access to care and services in a way that places the least burden on the healthcare system. We have established a team of experts to closely monitor developments and how they will impact our members and healthcare provider partners.
Our actions are intended to support the protective measures taken across the country to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 and reduce barriers to seeing a doctor, getting tested, getting vaccinated and maintaining adherence to medications for long-term health issues.
COVID-19 Updates
Get the latest news and information from the CDC at www.cdc.gov/coronavirus .
Medicaid Bulletins
IHCP COVID-19 Response: IHCP revises remdesivir administration reimbursement policy (April 15, 2022)
Effective Jan. 1, 2022, the Indiana Health Coverage Programs (IHCP) will reimburse hospital providers for the administration of remdesivir (brand name Veklury) outside of a hospital inpatient setting, if the healthcare setting is capable of providing acute care comparable to inpatient hospital care.
IHCP to reimburse pharmacy providers for select COVID-19 tests (April 15, 2022)
Effective Feb. 1, 2022, the Indiana Health Coverage Programs (IHCP) will reimburse IHCP-enrolled pharmacy providers for select coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) home test kits.
IHCP rescinds certain temporary COVID-19 policy changes (April 15, 2022)
As Indiana’s cases and hospitalizations have fallen significantly in recent weeks and we move past the Omicron surge, the Indiana Health Coverage Programs (IHCP) is ending some temporary policy changes that were enacted in response to the public health emergency due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
IHCP clarifies HIP maternity benefits (November 23, 2020)
The Indiana Health Coverage Programs (IHCP) is announcing revised billing guidance for telemedicine policies that were published in IHCP Bulletin BT202037 and IHCP Banner Page BR202016 in response to the public health emergency due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). This publication applies to fee-for-service (FFS) and managed care benefit plans:
IHCP COVID-19 Response: IHCP announces revised billing guidance for telemedicine services (October 12, 2020)
The Indiana Health Coverage Programs (IHCP) is announcing revised billing guidance for telemedicine policies that were published in IHCP Bulletin BT202037 and IHCP Banner Page BR202016 in response to the public health emergency due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). This publication applies to fee-for-service (FFS) and managed care benefit plans:
IHCP COVID-19 Response: IHCP clarifies policy on PA process for acute care hospital inpatient admissions (September 8, 2020)
The Indiana Health Coverage Programs (IHCP) is clarifying policy requirements published in IHCP Bulletin BT202030. This clarification is for managed care entities (MCEs). Under the published guidance for inpatient admissions and until further notice, MCEs are required to automatically approve initial authorizations, regardless of clinical documentation, for 60 days unless fewer days are requested by the provider:
IHCP updates Pharmacy benefit PA expiration dates
In further response to the national public health emergency for the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), the Indiana Health Coverage Programs (IHCP) is implementing a change regarding pharmacy benefit prior authorization (PA) expiration dates, effective for PAs with expiration dates of June 1, 2020, through August 31, 2020:
IHCP COVID-19 Response: Managed care claim timely filing returns to 90 days (June 23, 2020)
Effective for dates of service (DOS) on or after July 15, 2020, the timely filing limit on claims for services rendered to members enrolled in managed care by in-network providers is returning to 90 days:
IHCP COVID-19 Response: COVID-19 policy FAQs as of June 11, 2020
The Indiana Health Coverage Programs (IHCP) hosted a live webinar on April 15, 2020, to address frequently asked questions (FAQs) concerning IHCP policies in response to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). This bulletin includes questions and answers from the live webinar. These policies are in effect until the end of the national public health emergency:
HHS announces additional distributions from the Provider Relief Fund to eligible Medicaid and CHIP providers (6/18/2020)
On June 9, 2020, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), through the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), announced additional distributions from the Provider Relief Fund to eligible Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) providers that participate in state Medicaid and CHIP programs. HHS is also announcing an additional distribution of Provider Relief Funds to safety net hospitals:
COVID-19 update: Suspension of select prior authorization rules and significant policy adjustments in response to unprecedented demands on healthcare providers (Updated May 30, 2020)
Anthem recognizes the intense demands facing doctors, hospitals and all healthcare providers in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic. Today, unless otherwise required under state and federal mandates as detailed below, Anthem health plans will suspend select prior authorization (PA) requirements, member cost sharing, claims review and handling protocols to allow healthcare providers to focus on caring for patients diagnosed with COVID-19:
IHCP COVID-19 Response: COVID-19 policy FAQs as of April 16
The Indiana Health Coverage Programs (IHCP) is providing this frequently asked questions (FAQs) bulletin on member eligibility for providers during the public health emergency due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19):
Listen now! Webinar recording available from Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield for network providers on SBA loans and other federal relief programs in response to COVID-19
We are committed to helping care providers learn how you can secure resources to support yourselves and your business during the COVID-19 crisis. On April 30, 2020, we hosted a webinar to share information and resources with network providers regarding opportunities to access loans through the U.S Small Business Administration (SBA) and other federal programs in response to the economic impact of COVID-19 on care providers that are also small employers:
IHCP COVID-19 Response: Telemedicine FAQs as of April 21
The Indiana Health Coverage Programs (IHCP) is providing this frequently asked questions (FAQs) bulletin on telemedicine services for providers during the public health emergency due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19):
Federal resources available for healthcare providers and employers in the federal CARES Act
Anthem, Inc. advocated for Congress to provide sufficient funding for hospitals to be able to address those in need of care, and we strongly support federal and state efforts to address the financial needs of care providers. To help care providers navigate the resources available to them, we complied information on programs that could deliver additional financial relief during this crisis:
2020 Provider Quality Incentive Program — Essentials
This presentation covers 2020 health plan updates, 2020 Provider Quality Incentive Program Essentials (PQIP E), Provider Care Management Solutions (PCMS), and telehealth changes in response to COVID 19:
IHCP COVID-19 Response: IHCP responds to telemedicine FAQs as of April 1, 2020
The Indiana Health Coverage Programs (IHCP) is providing this frequently asked question (FAQ) bulletin to providers due to the change in telemedicine and telehealth during the current coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) public health emergency. The following definitions have been revised to accommodate this current situation:
COVID-19 information from Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield
Anthem is closely monitoring COVID-19 developments and how the novel coronavirus will impact our customers and provider partners. Click below for the latest information for Providers:
Page Last Updated: 07/16/2021