Informational Bulletin 26-8

Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) Informational Bulletin 26-8, issued April 13, 2026, replaces Informational Bulletin 26-2 and directs the implementation of new 2026 HCPCS codes in the Louisiana Medicaid fee-for-service claims processing system. The updated codes apply to services rendered on or after January 1, 2026, and were added to the Professional Services, Outpatient Hospital, and Ambulatory Surgery (hospital and non-hospital) fee schedules following an auto-refresh on April 10, 2026. For FFS claims denied due to use of the new 2026 HCPCS codes prior to their addition to the claims processing system, LDH states those claims will be systematically recycled with no action required by the provider. FFS claims questions are directed to Gainwell Technologies Provider Services. For managed care, the bulletin invokes Sections 2.18.9.3 through 12.18.9.5 of the Louisiana Medicaid Managed Care Organization Model Contract. Under those provisions, each MCO must update its claims processing system to incorporate the 2026 HCPCS updates within 30 days of the published Louisiana Medicaid fee schedule. MCOs must also notify providers of the production date for the new codes and describe their claims recycling process. Any claims not paid in accordance with the 2026 HCPCS updates must be recycled within 15 days of completing procedure file revisions.