DHS Releases Updated Emergency Medical Assistance Bulletin

The Department of Human Services (DHS) has released Bulletin 99-26-07 Updates to Emergency Medical Assistance (EMA) to advise Medical Assistance (MA) enrolled providers of updates to noncitizen eligibility for EMA, as well as updates to the billing instructions for EMA and revisions to the Emergency Medical Condition Information Eligibility Form.

With limited exceptions, certain qualified noncitizens will no longer be eligible for full Medicaid benefits and will only be eligible for EMA after October 1, 2026, under new Medicaid rules implemented with H.R. 1.

In order to determine if a noncitizen is eligible for EMA, providers will have to complete the PA 1917 Form, which describes the emergency medical condition and the emergency medical treatment needed, including any hospitalization dates for treatment. The submission of the form and supporting documentation to the County Assistance Offices is necessary to determine EMA eligibility. The PA 1917 Form and additional information will then be reviewed by the Department to determine if the noncitizen is eligible for the provision of emergency medical treatment and the time period for those services to be provided.  

Please contact your RCPA Policy Director with any questions.