September 14, 2021
Beginning September 1, 2021, WellCare of North Carolina will temporarily waive prior authorization requirements for post-acute care, in line with this special bulletin issued by NCDHHS . We will also make Hospital Care at Home available for those facilities approved for the wavier by CMS. This will facilitate expedited discharges and alleviate stress that hospitals are experiencing with bed shortages due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Scope & Waiver Period:
- Post-acute care (LTACH, SNF, Acute Inpatient Rehabilitation, and Home Health), for both Medicare and Medicaid, from September 1 - 30, 2021.
- Hospital at Home, for both Medicare and Medicaid, from September 1 - December 31, 2021.
Detail:
WellCare of North Carolina is temporarily suspending prior authorization for post-acute placements. WellCare requires notification of all post-acute services within 3 calendar days of start, and all services must be medically necessary. WellCare continues to request notification of discharge to post-acute care as soon as possible so we can support care transitions. Details for the Hospital at Home program can be found in the bulletin linked above.
