Kennedy says health insurers promise to change prior authorization process
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WASHINGTON — Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said Monday that the country’s largest health insurers have promised to take steps to streamline the often-criticized prior authorization process, which can delay or deny patients’ access to care. Limited time: Save 25% on NBC News subscription Get exclusive reporting, live Q&As and ad-free reading.
AI Summary
Main Idea: Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said major health insurers have promised to simplify prior authorization rules, a move aimed at making it faster for patients to get care.
Key Points:
- Prior authorization is a process insurers use to approve tests, procedures, and drugs before care is given.
- Kennedy said the changes would apply across private insurance, Medicare Advantage, and Medicaid.
- The insurers have pledged faster online requests, clearer denial notices, and some automatic acceptance of existing approvals for up to 90 days when people switch plans.
- Experts said the changes may help, but they do not end prior authorization, and similar promises in the past were not fully carried out.
Impact on the People
Negative Impact
Prior authorization can still delay or deny care, so patients may keep facing wait times and surprise hassles even after the promised changes.
Positive Impact
CMS and major insurers say faster reviews and longer approval carryovers could save patients time and help people keep treatment when they switch plans.
How did each entity affect people?
Rate how each entity in this article affected the American people.
- Primary:
Candidate Entities12 candidates · 5 weighted vote min · 70% decision
- Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.personPrimaryEvaluated
Central official announcing and describing the insurers’ promised changes to prior authorization.
Include 0 (0%)Ignore 0 (0%)5 to threshold - Blue Cross Blue Shield Associationunion / trade associationMajorAI selected
Named insurance trade association that pledged to make the changes.
Include 0 (0%)Ignore 0 (0%)5 to threshold - Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Servicesgovernment agency or bodyMajorAI selected
Federal agency working with insurers on prior authorization changes across Medicare Advantage and Medicaid.
Include 0 (0%)Ignore 0 (0%)5 to threshold - CignacompanyMajorAI selected
One of the major insurers said to have promised changes.
Include 0 (0%)Ignore 0 (0%)5 to threshold - Dr. Mehmet OzpersonMajorAI selected
CMS administrator who appears at the media event and helps frame the federal response.
Include 0 (0%)Ignore 0 (0%)5 to threshold - Elevance HealthcompanyMajorAI selected
One of the major insurers said to have promised changes.
Include 0 (0%)Ignore 0 (0%)5 to threshold - GuideWellcompanyMajorAI selected
One of the major insurers said to have promised changes.
Include 0 (0%)Ignore 0 (0%)5 to threshold
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