https://issuesinsights.com/2022/12/19/time-for-congress-to-solve-the-prior-authorization-problem-for-all-americans/
The unanimous passage of the Improving Seniors’ Timely Access to Care Act in the U.S. House is an important victory in the ongoing fight to curb insurance company abuses that delay or outright deny medically necessary care for patients in need. The entire patient community is glad to see lawmakers support this much-needed legislation, which will help streamline and simplify the delivery and coordination of care for seniors and persons with disabilities enrolled in Medicare Advantage.
But there’s still work to be done.
The bipartisan Improving Seniors’ Access to Timely Care Act aims to overhaul the prior authorization process – one of insurers’ most widespread and flagrant abuses – and protect Medicare Advantage beneficiaries from having to jump through hoops simply to access the care they need and that their doctor prescribed. The legislation would modernize the outdated process by requiring the use of electronic prior authorization tools, which would speed up approvals. This is crucial since 93% of doctors say prior authorization leads to delays in treatment, and 34% say it has led to a serious adverse event for a patient in their care. By preventing dangerous delays, the legislation – along with a complementary rule recently proposed by the federal government – would help ensure seniors and patients with disabilities can access prescribed treatments and services when they need them.
