Now more than ever, the prior authorization approval process consumes valuable physician and staff time, costs physician practices money, and may negatively impact patients by delaying much-needed treatment.

The Improving Seniors Timely Access to Care Act (H.R. 8702/S. 4532), which was introduced by Reps. Mike Kelly (R-PA), Suzan DelBene (D-WA), Larry Bucshon, MD (R-IN), and Ami Bera, MD, (D-CA) in the House and by Sens. Roger Marshall, MD (R-KS), Krysten Sinema (I-AZ), John Thune (R-SD), and Sherrod Brown (D-OH), in the Senate is legislation that aims to increase transparency and streamline the prior authorization process in the Medicare Advantage program by:

• Establishing an electronic prior authorization (ePA) program for MA plans, including a standardization for transactions and clinical attachments.

• Increasing transparency around MA prior authorization requirements and their use.

• Clarifying CMS’ authority to establish timeframes for ePA requests including expedited determinations, real-time decisions for routinely approved items and services, and other PA requests.

• Expanding beneficiary protections to improve enrollee experiences and outcomes.

• Requiring HHS and other agencies to report to Congress on program integrity efforts and other ways to further improve the ePA process.

Urge your Member of Congress to cosponsor H.R. 8702/S. 4532 today!

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