21-B-09 - COVID-19 - Health benefit plans urged to waive prior authorization

Due to the COVID-19 delta variant surge, in-patient admissions due to the virus are increasing. The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NC DHHS) reports that as of August 25, 2021, 3,552 people are currently hospitalized due to COVID-19. NC DHHS has stated that this increase in hospitalizations is placing extreme pressure on hospital capacity in North Carolina. The North Carolina Department of Insurance (the Department) is issuing this advisory to encourage insurers that offer health benefit plans to North Carolina residents to temporarily waive prior authorization requirements for post-acute care.