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July 2026
Summer Strides: Your July Billing Digest
As we settle into the heart of summer, it’s the perfect time to stay current with the latest healthcare billing updates and resources. This month’s digest features important billing guidance, policy updates, compliance reminders, and learning opportunities designed to provide billing support across Illinois. Whether navigating system changes, reviewing payer updates, or expanding knowledge through training opportunities, these resources are here to help your organization continue moving forward.
The Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS)
HFS Coding Update for Behavioral Health Screenings Effective August 1, 2026
Effective August 1, 2026, HFS is implementing coding updates for behavioral health screenings billed under Medicaid Fee-for-Service and HealthChoice Illinois. Providers billing CPT code 96127 must include modifier U1 for negative screening results or U2 for positive screening results with a documented follow-up plan. Claims submitted without the required modifier will be rejected. Click here for a complete overview of the updates.
CCBHC Billing Guideline Updates Rescinded
Molina Healthcare of Illinois has rescinded previously announced updates to billing guidelines for Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) and Community Mental Health Center (CMHC) services. The planned changes that were scheduled to take effect for claims received September 1, 2026, and forward will not be implemented at this time. Providers should continue following current billing guidelines until further notice. For additional information, please click here.
Mandatory Uniform Directory Template for Marketplace
Molina Healthcare of Illinois is reminding providers that the Illinois Department of Insurance (DOI) requires the use of the Uniform Provider Directory Template for provider directory submissions and updates effective July 1, 2026. Providers must use the state-approved template for Marketplace provider directory updates and continue submitting complete rosters monthly, including additions, changes, terminations, or no changes. Providers must also notify Molina of directory updates within required timeframes. For additional information and access to the template, please click here.
The Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services HR1 Webinar Series – Module 4: Exemptions from Work Requirements, July 22, 1:30–2:30 PM The HR1 Webinar Series provides updates and guidance related to upcoming Medicaid policy changes and implementation considerations. This session will focus on Module 4: Exemptions from Work Requirements, including an overview of exemption criteria, individuals who may qualify for exemptions, and key considerations for providers assisting Medicaid members with navigating these requirements. Those who were unable to attend the previous webinar in the series can access the recording to review prior information and prepare for this module. For additional information, access the previous recording, and register for Module 4, please click here.
Join the Illinois Public Health Association's Help. Guide. Thrive. Lunch & Learn Series for two upcoming educational opportunities designed to support healthcare professionals and strengthen client-centered care:
Inclusive Language and LGBTQIA+ Terminology, July 24 12:00–1:00 PM
Learn the fundamentals of inclusive language, respectful pronoun usage, and commonly used LGBTQIA+ terminology. This session offers practical strategies for fostering respectful communication and creating more welcoming, affirming environments in professional and community settings. For additional information and to register, please click here.
More for Moms Program, July 31, 12:00–1:00 PM
Gain an overview of Aetna Better Health® of Illinois' More for Moms program, including the maternity resources and benefits available to eligible members. Participants will also learn how to connect members with available services and make appropriate program referrals. For additional information and to register, please click here.
Join Patagonia Health for an engaging webinar, Strategies for Strengthening a Culturally Responsive Mindset, on Friday, July 31, at 12:00 PM ET. This interactive session invites participants to reflect on how their own identities intersect with the diverse identities of the clients they serve. Through guided discussion on cultural stress, attendees will explore how implicit bias, cultural assumptions, and unintended microaggressions can influence clinical interactions. Click here to register.
Molina Healthcare of Illinois invites you to join the upcoming live webinars:
- FIDE D-SNP Plan, July 17, 2:00 PM Register
- Quality Improvement, HEDIS, and More, July 20, 1:00 PM Register
- FQHC, RHC Encounter Clinic Billing, July 23, 1:00 PM Register
- Online Tools Roadmap, July 27, 1:00 PM Register
- HCBS and Home Health Billing, Jul 28, 1:00 PM Register
- Utilization Management Processes, July 29, 1:00 PM Register
- Dental Provider Training, July 30, 10:30 AM Register
Looking for additional sessions? Explore the full 2026 schedule of live webinars exclusively for Illinois providers and register for provider updates to receive notices for upcoming trainings.
Aetna Better Health of Illinois
Aetna Better Health of Illinois will be conducting their annual Provider Satisfaction Survey from May 31 through July 16, 2026. During this time, provider agencies may receive a survey by mail from Press Ganey regarding their experience working with Aetna Better Health of Illinois.
Providers are encouraged to complete the survey, as feedback helps support ongoing quality improvement efforts and strengthens provider partnership and engagement. Click here to get additional details regarding the survey.
Aetna Better Health® of Illinois is committed to supporting providers with claims-related issues during the redetermination process. This support includes assistance with claims submissions for members during their redetermination window. Click here to see the provider notice.
Contact your Provider Relations representative with any questions.
BlueCross BlueShield of Illinois
The July 2026 issue of Blue Review is available here. If you have not already subscribed to receive this publication, you may sign up here.
To contact your Provider Network Consultant, visit Provider Network Consultant Assignments for more information.
The Q2 2026 issue of Humana Physician News is available here. If you have not already subscribed to receive publications from Humana, you may sign up here.
Humana’s Medicare Stars Learning team is pleased to offer a series of live, facilitated educational sessions throughout 2026 to help providers stay informed and up to date. Click here to learn more and register.
The “Monthly Provider Check-In” for June 2026 can be found here.
Join Meridian’s live monthly session to stay informed on the latest updates for providers. Click here to register for the next live session on August 11th, 2026.
Contact your assigned Provider Engagement Administrator or representative for
support. For those without an assigned representative, complete this intake form or
contact Meridian using the information here.
Molina is sharing a summary of recent news pertinent to your practice/facility.
Memo topics include: Rate/Fee Schedule updates for July 2026, updates to Molina
Clinical Policies, and much more! You can find the ‘‘Memo Roundup’’ here.
To register for Illinois provider updates, so you don’t miss any bulletins, Click Here.
Click here to receive information curated exclusively for Molina’s Illinois providers.
Contact your dedicated Provider Relations Manager or email the Provider Relations team at MHILProviderNetworkManagement@MolinaHealthcare.com. To help identify your dedicated Provider Relations Manager, visit Molina's Service Area map
The July 2026 issue of Network News contains important notifications and updates for healthcare providers.
The News Your Way feature allows you to customize your subscription to receive information and updates specific to your role, specialty, and state. Click here to subscribe or update your preferences.
If you have any QUESTIONS or SUGGESTIONS for TOPICS that you would like to see covered in future issues of the IPHA Billing Digest, please email your suggestions and/or requests to insurancebilling@ipha.com.
Your feedback is valuable and appreciated.
Thank you!
