Library: Policy

317:2-1-2.6. Continuation of benefits or services pending appeal

Revised 7-1-23

(a) In accordance with Section 431.230 of Title 42 of the Code of Federal Regulations, if an appellant submits a written request for a hearing within sixty (60) days of the notice of the adverse Agency action, the appellant may also request that existing benefits or services (hereinafter, collectively referred to as "services") be continued or reinstated until the earlier of dismissal of the appeal, appellant's withdrawal of the appeal, or an initial hearing decision adverse to the appellant.

(b) If the appellant fails to indicate a preference as to continuation or reinstatement of services in a written request for hearing made within sixty (60) days of the notice of the adverse Agency action, services shall be continued or reinstated. Provided, however, that a SoonerCare member shall not be entitled to continuation or reinstatement of services pending an appeal related to the following:

(1) When a service is denied because the member has exceeded the limit applicable to that service;

(2) When a request for a prior authorization is denied for a prescription drug. However:

(A) The Oklahoma Health Care Authority (OHCA) may authorize a single seventy-two (72) hour emergency supply of the drug, in accordance with Oklahoma Administrative Code (OAC) 317:30-5-77.2;

(B) A SoonerCare provider may initiate a step therapy exception request on behalf of a member, in accordance with OAC 317:30-5-77.4;

(3) When coverage of a prescription drug or service is denied because the requested drug or service is not a category or class of drugs or services covered by OHCA;

(4) When coverage for a prescription drug is denied because the Enrollee has been locked into one (1) pharmacy and the member seeks to fill a prescription at another pharmacy; or

(5) When a physician or other licensed health care practitioner has failed to prescribe or order the service or level of service for which continuation or reinstatement is requested.

(c) If services are continued or reinstated during the appeals process and the hearing is not decided in the appellant's favor, OHCA may seek to recover reimbursement of all services received pending the hearing decision.