06/09/2021

House Bill Seeks to Cut Red Tape on Prior Authorizations in Medicare

Would require Medicare Advantage plans to report approval and denial rates

WASHINGTON -- Medicare Advantage insurers need to be more clear about their prior authorization policies, according to a group of House members.

"When I was practicing I routinely dealt with burdens and processes like this," Rep. Larry Bucshon, MD (R-Ind.), who formerly worked as a thoracic surgeon, said at a press conference Thursday announcing the introduction of H.R. 3173, the Improving Seniors' Timely Access to Care Act.

"It chained doctors, nurses, and other healthcare workers to their desk instead of spending time taking care of patients," he said.  READ MORE