LTACH COVID-19 Covered Services for Certain Non-Citizens

Aug. 20, 2020

The Dept. of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS) has issued a provider notice, providing additional clarification on coverage for long-term acute care hospital (LTACH) services provided to qualified non-citizens. During the COVID-19 public health emergency, Medicaid emergency medical coverage for non-citizens covers COVID-19 treatment for those who are not eligible for Medicaid due to immigration status. Client submission and state approval of a complete application for emergency medical coverage is required before providers can be reimbursed.

Specifically, HFS has determined that hospitalizations at LTACHs are included in Medicaid emergency medical coverage during the public health emergency; therefore, HFS will reimburse at each LTACH’s established Medicaid rate for such admissions. If the transferring hospital has not already applied for emergency medical coverage on behalf of the client, the LTACH must do so. For more information, see IHA’s memo.