CMS announces first 29 health care organizations to join electronic prior authorization initiative

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services May 13 announced 29 health care organizations have pledged early participation in its electronic prior authorization initiative. CMS said the organizations include health systems, electronic health record developers, physician practices, networks and digital health developers. The initiative is part of CMS’ Health Technology Ecosystem. The project will involve organizations aligning on the agency’s interoperability and prior authorization final rule deadlines, as well as efforts to address workflow gaps and technical handoffs. Electronic prior authorization interfaces for impacted payers will be required across Medicare Advantage, Medicaid, Children’s Health Insurance Program and Health Insurance Marketplace plans on Jan. 1, 2027.