health insurance prior authorization

Federal Health Policy Update for May 7

The following is the latest health policy news from the federal government for May 1-7. Some of the language used below is taken directly from government documents. Congress Congress hopes to pass a reconciliation package to fund Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection before June 1; lawmakers would then turn to a potential third reconciliation measure to address health care affordability before the mid-term elections. Health care provisions in a potential third reconciliation bill could include expanded access to health savings accounts (HSAs); changes to the rate at which the federal government matches state Medicaid spending [...]

Insurer Use of Prior Authorization Down

The insurance industry appears to be making good on its pledge to reduce its use of prior authorization for services and to make that process simpler for providers and patients Last June, some of the leading health insurers agreed to work to address prior authorization challenges. Now, an AHIP-Blue Cross Blue Shield Association survey has found that they have reduced by 11 percent the number of procedures and services that require prior authorization, which translated into 6.5 million fewer requests. Medicare Advantage plans went even further, eliminating 15 percent of procedures and services that require prior authorization. In addition, the [...]