Home health telehealth update
May 2022Important Notices
"As you know, home health services have been approved for coverage via telehealth since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Based on the usage and success of home health telehealth, UPMC Health Plan has expanded the option as a permanent telehealth service when appropriate. Effective April 1, 2022, UPMC Health Plan updated the Telehealth – MP.148 policy to include home health services as a telehealth option for members as indicated in the policy. This update is a result of a collaboration between many UPMC Health Plan departments. Services covered by the policy include observation, training or education in skilled nursing, medical social work, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and home health aid. A telehealth visit must include audio and video components.
Home health telehealth has successfully assisted home health agencies with current staff shortages and allows members to conveniently access services in the comfort of their home in a timely and effective manner."
Home health telehealth has successfully assisted home health agencies with current staff shortages and allows members to conveniently access services in the comfort of their home in a timely and effective manner."
Recent Announcements
Pause in Prior Authorization Policies
On April 1, 2025, we announced that UPMC Health Plan would start requiring prior authorization for certain services. Please note that we are delaying or changing the implementation of prior authorization for some of these services, as described below.May 2025Important Notices
May is Mental Health Awareness Month
“Turn Awareness into Action”Mental Health America founded Mental Health Month in 1949, and since that time, every May has been a time to unite millions of people to promote awareness, provide vital resources, and advocate for everyones mental well-being. 1 in 5 people will experience a mental health condition in any given year¹. Mental health affects us all, and its critical that we move beyond awareness to take meaningful steps for our well-being and that of our community.May 2025Important Notices
Special notice: Important policy changes
Effective June 1, 2025, UPMC Health Plan will be implementing policy changes that will require providers to obtain prior authorizations for services listed in the following policies. For more information, please visit upmchp.us/policiesandprocedures.May 2025Important Notices