Congress reintroduces Improving Seniors’ Timely Access to Care Act to streamline prior authorization under Medicare Advantage

The AHA praised House and Senate leaders in letters June 12 for reintroducing the Improving Seniors’ Timely Access to Care Act, bipartisan legislation that would streamline prior authorization requirements under Medicare Advantage plans. The bill would establish an electronic prior authorization standard to streamline approvals, reduce the amount of time a health plan is allowed to consider a prior authorization request, require MA plans to report on their use of prior authorization and the rate of approvals and denials, and encourage MA plans to adopt policies that adhere to evidence-based guidelines. 

“The AHA greatly appreciates the leadership from this bipartisan group of Senators and Representatives by reintroducing vital legislation to streamline the broken prior authorization process in the Medicare Advantage program,” said Stacey Hughes, AHA executive vice president. “By removing unnecessary barriers that create delays in treatment, this meaningful bill will improve access to care for seniors and allow caregivers to spend more valuable time at the bedside with patients and less time on burdensome paperwork.”