Date: March 22, 2022
To: All Medical Assistance Program Providers
Re: HRSA COVID-19 Uninsured Program Ending; HFS COVID-19 Uninsured Program Continues
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ This notice provides an update to previous COVID-19 billing guidance issued by the Department for uninsured patients.
COVID-19 Billing Guidance for Uninsured Patients
Due to insufficient funds, the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) COVID-19 Uninsured Program will stop accepting testing and treatment claims on March 22, 2022. It also will stop accepting vaccination claims on April 5, 2022. If additional Congressional funds are appropriated, the HRSA COVID-19 Uninsured Program could begin accepting claims again at a future date.
The Healthcare and Family Services (HFS) COVID-19 Uninsured Program is separate from the HRSA program and will continue through the end of the federal public health emergency. Providers should refer to the December 18, 2020 provider notice and the September 25, 2020 provider notice for billing guidance for the HFS COVID-19 Uninsured Program.
COVID-19 Reimbursement for Insured Patients, including Medicaid
For insured patients, including patients who are insured through Medicaid, Medicare, commercial insurance, and employer-sponsored insurance, providers should submit claims for COVID-19 related services, including testing, vaccine administration, and treatment, to the patient's insurer.
Health Benefits for Immigrant Seniors and Adults
The Health Benefits for Immigrant Seniors program provides comprehensive medical benefits, including COVID-19 related services, for immigrant seniors age 65 and older who are not eligible for Medicaid coverage due to immigration status. This program will soon expand to adults aged 55 and older. Options to apply include applying online at ABE.Illinois.gov and calling the ABE Customer Call Center at 1-800-843-6154.
Illinois' Emergency Medical for Non-Citizens Program
A diagnosis or suspicion of COVID-19 qualifies as an emergency for non-citizens who do not qualify for Medicaid due to immigration status. To access the Illinois Emergency Medical for Non-Citizens program, providers should help non-citizens apply for Emergency Medical through ABE.Illinois.gov. Information on medical documentation requirements for this application can be found in the COVID-19 Emergency Medical for Non-Citizens policy memo. If the application is approved, providers can then bill Medicaid for payment of COVID-19 treatment. Emergency Medical coverage is authorized for an initial 60 days from the start date of coverage but can be extended beyond 60 days. If the application is not approved, providers should bill the HRSA uninsured program for COVID-19 treatment services, as described above.
Questions regarding the information provided above may be directed to the Bureau of Professional and Ancillary Services at 877-782-5565.
Kelly Cunningham, Administrator
Division of Medical Programs
