Medicaid Reminder: Know When To Request Post Acute Care Authorizations 

Sept. 4, 2026 

Reminder: For members with Blue Cross Community Health Plans^SM, providers must request prior authorization no more than three days prior to admission to a post acute care facility. This is due to how quickly health conditions and medical necessity of services may change, following requirements of the member’s benefit plan.  

For more information, refer to the provider manual for BCCHP. 

Always check eligibility and benefits first through Availity^® Essentials or your preferred vendor prior to rendering services. This step will confirm prior authorization requirements and utilization management vendors, if applicable. 

Checking eligibility and/or benefit information and/or obtaining prior authorization is not a guarantee of payment. Benefits will be determined once a claim is received and will be based upon, among other things, the member’s eligibility and the terms of the member’s certificate of coverage, including, but not limited to, exclusions and limitations applicable on the date services were rendered. If you have any questions, call the number on the member's ID card. Regardless of any prior authorization or benefit determination, the final decision regarding any treatment or service is between the patient and the health care provider. 

Availity is a trademark of Availity, LLC, a separate company that operates a health information network to provide electronic information exchange services to medical professionals. Availity provides administrative services to BCBSIL. BCBSIL makes no endorsement, representations or warranties regarding third party vendors and the products and services they offer.