Following Scathing HHS Report, Prior Auth Leaders Demand Bipartisan Reforms

Statement

Today, Representatives Suzan DelBene (WA-01), Mike Kelly (PA-16), Ami Bera, M.D. (CA-07), and Larry Bucshon, M.D. (IN-08) released the following statement in light of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Inspector General report on the abuse of prior authorization in Medicare Advantage (MA):

"Today's HHS Inspector General report underscores the urgent need for reforms in the current prior authorization system. Seniors should not be denied care for routine treatments and procedures that would otherwise be covered. This complicates and delays care and worsens health outcomes for this vulnerable population.

"It is well past time to bring prior authorization into the 21st century so seniors can get the care they deserve by passing the Improving Seniors' Timely Access to Care Act. The reforms in this legislation have widespread bipartisan support and the backing of hundreds of leading national health care organizations. The House must move on this bill quickly."