A series of recent prior authorization policy wins has American Medical Association President Jesse Ehrenfeld, MD, optimistic that "momentum is building toward meaningful prior authorization reform."
Dr. Ehrenfeld pointed to CMS' recent rule that, among other effects, will shorten the time frame for prior authorization decisions, according to a Feb. 14 article on AMA's website. He also pointed to voluntary prior authorization cuts made in 2023 by UnitedHealthcare and Cigna. Additionally, more than 70 prior authorization reform bills have been introduced in 28 states this year.
"The bottom line is that insurers know the pressure is on," Dr. Ehrenfeld said. "Policymakers know the pressure is on. And the progress, it's not as fast as we want, but it's happening, and we can feel good about that."