Rep. Wild Votes to Improve Care for Seniors by Cutting Red Tape

Press Release

Today, Representative Susan Wild voted to pass H.R. 3171, the bipartisan Improving Seniors' Timely Access to Care Act. The bill brings the prior authorization process into the 21st century, a process that often requires the use of outdated technology such as the faxing of documents to insurance companies.

Health insurers, including Medicare Advantage plans, require health care providers to obtain prior authorization for certain medical treatments or tests before they can provide care to their patients. Prior authorization can play a role in ensuring people receiving appropriate treatments and help control the cost of care. However, when misused, prior authorization results in administrative burdens for providers, taking precious time away from patient care and potentially delaying medically necessary treatment.

"Paperwork should never interfere with seniors receiving timely and legitimate care," said Rep. Wild. "The prior authorization process is burdensome for doctors, seniors, and their families. This bill creates a standard electronic prior authorization process to streamline our health care system, cut red tape for doctors, and ensure better care. It's time to modernize this outdated process."

Specifically, the Improving Seniors' Timely Access to Care Act would:
- Establish an electronic prior authorization process.
- Require the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to establish a process for "real-time decisions" for items and services that are routinely approved.
- Improve transparency by requiring Medicare Advantage plans to report to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services on the extent of their use of prior authorization and the rate of approvals or denials.
- Encourage plans to adopt prior authorization programs that adhere to evidence-based medical guidelines in consultation with physicians.

The legislation was introduced by Representatives Suzan DelBene (WA-01), Mike Kelly (PA-16), Ami Bera, M.D. (CA-07), and Larry Bucshon, M.D. (IN-08). It has over 300 cosponsors in the House, including Rep. Wild, and the endorsement of over 500 organizations.

In July, the House Ways and Means Committee advanced the bill to the floor. It now heads to the Senate for consideration.

Source