On Oct. 1, the Health Care Authority (HCA) implemented a new policy and related daily reimbursement for an administrative day rate for a new population. This new policy includes birthing parents and their newborn who had an in-utero exposure to a substance that may lead to physiologic dependence and non-pharmacologic firstline treatment by the birth parent.
Per WAC 182-550-4550, HCA will provide up to five days of an inpatient hospital stay for the postpartum parent following the parent’s medical discharge when the newborn remains as an inpatient on a hospital claim at the facility. This is the appropriate and evidence-based best care. This benefit applies to all Apple Health clients (managed care and fee-for-service) who meet the criteria as outlined in the billing guide.
For more information and details see the Inpatient Hospital Services Billing Guide. (Mary Kay Ausenhus)
