π¨ Big News: HHS & Insurers Unite to Fix Prior Authorization!
HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced that nearly 50 major insurers β including Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, Humana, UnitedHealthcare, and others β are voluntarily committing to overhaul prior authorization, making it simpler, faster, and more transparent.
π©Ί Whatβs Changing?
π Prior Authorization = insurer permission before care
β³ Known for delays and red tape
π 6 Insurer Commitments:
π² Standardize electronic prior auth submissions
βοΈ Reduce services needing prior auth
π Honor approvals when patients switch plans
π Transparency in decisions and appeals
β‘ Faster approvals β real-time when possible
π©ββοΈ Medical professionals to review all denials
π Whatβs Next?
By Jan 1, 2026: Fewer procedures will require prior auth
By Jan 1, 2027: Full implementation of electronic standards
Approvals valid 90 days when switching insurers mid-treatment
CMS to release full list of insurers this summer (covering ~75% of U.S. patients)
π Why It Matters:
Cuts down delays for patients
Reduces admin burden for doctors
Increases fairness & clarity in insurance decisions
Not a federal mandate β yet β but signals major industry reform
π Questions or need help navigating prior auth changes?
Call us at (520) 721-4848