Trump officials persuade insurers to cut red tape that’s delaying your healthcare
Health insurance providers across the nation have taken a significant step towards improving patient care by signing a series of commitments aimed at reducing bureaucratic hurdles caused by prior-authorization requirements. This move, led by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Director Dr. Mehmet Oz and Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., involves roughly three-quarters of the country’s health insurance companies.
The prior-authorization process, which requires providers to obtain approval from a patient’s insurance provider before offering certain treatments or services, has long been criticized for delaying patient care and creating unnecessary obstacles. Dr. Oz highlighted that physicians spend an average of 12 hours per week dealing with these requirements, which can total up to 40 per week, causing frustration and delays in care.
The industry-led pledge includes commitments from major insurance providers such as United Healthcare, Cigna, Humana, Blue Cross & Blue Shield, and Aetna. These commitments aim to streamline the prior-authorization process by implementing a common standardized electronic system with faster turnaround times, set to be operational by January 1, 2027. Additionally, insurers have committed to reducing their use of prior-authorization by January 1, 2026, and honoring existing approvals for 90 days when patients switch plans during treatment.
Transparency is a key focus of the commitments, with insurers pledging to provide clear explanations of prior-authorization determinations and guidance for appeals. By 2027, 80% of electronic prior-authorization approvals are expected to be answered in real-time, ensuring quicker access to care for patients.
During the announcement, Dr. Oz compared the industry-led pledge to the biblical concept of meekness, emphasizing the importance of setting aside competition to collaborate on improving patient care. This voluntary initiative reflects a willingness among insurance companies and healthcare providers to work together towards a common goal, putting patients’ needs first.
By implementing these commitments, insurers are taking proactive steps to enhance patient access to care and streamline the prior-authorization process. This industry-led initiative showcases a commitment to improving the healthcare system and ensuring that patients receive timely and appropriate treatment.
