Until Tech Issues Are Resolved, HFS Pauses Charging Copays for Certain Immigrant Health Programs
The Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS) released an update from its June 2023 public notice regarding the cost-sharing component of the Health Benefits for Immigrant Adults (HBIA), for those ages 42-64, and of the Health Benefits for Immigrant Seniors (HBIS), for those 65 and older:
Per HHS: “Healthcare professionals should not charge cost-sharing for this population until further notice and any cost-sharing that health professionals may have already collected must be returned.”
The reason for the change is that Medicaid’s system programming currently cannot deduct the cost-sharing amounts from medical reimbursements. Therefore, new programming must first be completed prior to implementing copays or coinsurance.
Once the reimbursement programming is ready, HFS will issue a provider notice with implementation guidance. If you have questions, please contact the Bureau of Professional and Ancillary Services at 877-782-5565.
You may also contact the ISMS Health Policy Research and Advocacy team by email.