Companion to AHA-supported MA prior authorization bill introduced in Senate

Sens. Roger Marshall, R-Kan., Kyrsten Sinema, D-Ariz., and John Thune, R-S.D., today introduced a Senate companion to AHA-supported legislation (H.R. 3173/S. 3018) that would establish requirements for the use of prior authorization under Medicare Advantage plans. 

“Hospitals and health systems strongly support the Improving Seniors' Timely Access to Care Act because physicians, nurses and other providers of care should be able to spend their time on patients, not burdensome paperwork,” said AHA Executive Vice President Stacey Hughes. “Efforts to streamline and standardize prior authorization are long overdue. Used appropriately, prior authorization can be a helpful tool for ensuring patients receive the right treatment, but too often the process results in delayed care, clinician burnout and unnecessary waste in the health care system. The AHA is eager to continue to work with Senators Marshall, Sinema and Thune to make improvements to the prior authorization process that protect patients.”  

Reps. Suzan DelBene, D-Wash.; Mike Kelly, R-Pa.; Ami Bera, D-Calif.; and Larry Bucshon, R-Ind., introduced the House bill in May.