Ill. HFS Handbook for Hospice Agencies, ch. K-200, Foreword

Purpose

This handbook, along with recent provider notices, will act as an effective guide to

participation in the Department’s Medical Programs. It contains information that

applies to fee-for-service Medicaid providers. It also provides information on the

Department’s requirements for enrollment and provider participation.

It is important that both the provider of service and the provider’s billing personnel

read all materials prior to initiating services to ensure a thorough understanding of

the Department’s Medical Programs policy and billing procedures. Revisions in and

supplements to the handbook are released as necessary based on operational need

and State or federal laws requiring policy and procedural changes. Updated

handbooks are posted on the Provider Handbooks page of the website.

Providers are held responsible for compliance with all policy and procedures

contained herein. Providers should register to receive e-mail notification, when new

provider information has been posted by the Department.

Providers should always verify a participant’s eligibility before providing services,

both to determine eligibility for the current date and to discover any limitations to the

participant’s coverage. It is imperative that providers check HFS electronic eligibility

systems regularly to determine eligibility. The Recipient Eligibility Verification (REV)

System, the Automated Voice Response System (AVRS) at 1-800-842-1461, and

the Medical Electronic Data Interchange (MEDI) systems are available.

Inquiries regarding coverage of a particular service or billing issues may be

directed to the Bureau of Hospital and Provider Services at

1-877-782-5565.