Medical groups endorse legislation to reform prior authorization
By Admin | June 01, 2021
The AMA and other professional organizations endorsed the Improving Seniors’ Timely Access to Care Act, which would streamline prior authorizations for Medicare Advantage plans and introduce additional protections for patients.
The AMA’s endorsement coincides with the release of its December 2020 survey, in which 83% of member-respondents reported that prior authorizations for medications and medical services have increased over the previous 5 years and 87% reported that prior authorizations interfere with continuity of care, according to a press release.
In addition, of the 1,000 practicing physicians who responded to the AMA survey, most said that prior authorization programs continue to lack transparency. Sixty-eight percent of physicians said it is hard to determine whether a prescription medication requires prior authorization, and 58% said the same about medical services.
“You would think insurers would ease bureaucratic demands throughout a pandemic to ensure patients’ access to timely, medically necessary care,” Susan R. Bailey, MD, AMA president, said in the release. “Sadly, you would be wrong.”
Rep. Suzan K. DelBene (D-Wash.) introduced the legislation to the House of Representatives on May 13 and it was referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means as well as the committee on Energy and Commerce. The next step for the bill is to pass a vote in the House.
According to the AMA, the Improving Seniors’ Timely Access to Care Act would: ...(More)
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