The California Department of Managed Health Care (DMHC) has stepped in to support healthcare providers affected by the recent wildfires in Los Angeles. In a new all-plan letter, the DMHC has outlined several measures to help these providers continue their work during this challenging time.
One significant change is the extension of prior authorization for services. Providers can now continue delivering authorized care without needing to submit new requests for an additional 180 days. This gives them the flexibility to focus on their patients without the added stress of paperwork.
Additionally, the DMHC has extended the deadline for healthcare providers to file claims. They now have at least 365 days to submit claims that may have been delayed due to the wildfires. This extension allows providers to manage their finances more effectively during this crisis. If a health plan identifies an overpayment to a provider, the time to dispute that overpayment has also been increased to 30 working days.
For those providers who have been displaced, the DMHC is allowing them to offer care from temporary locations, such as mobile clinics, for at least six months. This measure aims to ensure that patients can still receive the care they need, even if their usual healthcare facilities are unavailable.
These changes reflect the DMHC’s commitment to supporting healthcare providers and ensuring that patients continue to receive necessary medical services despite the challenges posed by the wildfires. The situation remains fluid, and the DMHC’s efforts are crucial in helping the healthcare community recover and adapt.