Grassroots Action Center
Sen. Roger Marshall (R-KS), Sen. Kyrsten Sinema (I-AZ), Rep. Mike Kelly (R-PA-16), and Rep. Suzanne DelBenne (D-WA-1) have introduced S.4518/H.R.8702, the Improving Seniors’ Timely Access to Care Act of 2024. This bipartisan legislation would create an electronic prior authorization system for Medicare Advantage plans to reduce delays in care. It would also limit the amount of time a Medicare Advantage plan can consider a prior authorization request.
Prior authorization is a process whereby an insurance provider employs a health care professional to review a coverage request by a patient or their provider before covering the service. Many Medicare Advantage plans require prior authorization before they will cover psychotherapy services from counselors and other mental health professionals. The review of these prior authorization requests can take weeks or months, delaying care for many patients. An electronic prior authorization process would drastically reduce the amount of time patients spend waiting for approvals.
This legislation currently has nearly 200 bipartisan cosponsors. Contact your legislators and tell them to eliminate unnecessary delays! For a greater impact, please personalize your message.
