Saturday, February 28, 2026

STAT+: HHS adviser hopes prior authorization reform happens in ‘double-digit months,’ not years

In a recent statement, a top federal health official expressed hope that the Trump administration’s efforts to reduce the insurance industry’s reliance on prior authorizations will yield results in a matter of months. The official, who wished to remain anonymous, believes that this move will bring about significant improvements in the healthcare system, benefiting both patients and providers.

Prior authorizations, also known as pre-approvals, are a process used by insurance companies to determine if a medical procedure or prescription drug is necessary and covered under a patient’s insurance plan. While the intention behind this process is to control costs and prevent unnecessary treatments, it has become a major source of frustration for both patients and healthcare providers.

The official acknowledged that the current system of prior authorizations is time-consuming and often results in delays in patient care. This has not only caused inconvenience for patients but has also added to the administrative burden of healthcare providers. In some cases, patients have been forced to forgo necessary treatments due to the lengthy and complicated prior authorization process.

Under the Trump administration’s plan, the use of prior authorizations will be significantly reduced, with the aim of streamlining the healthcare system and improving access to care for patients. The official expressed confidence that this move will bring about positive changes in the healthcare industry and ultimately benefit the American people.

The official further stated that the administration is actively working with insurance companies to develop a more efficient and patient-friendly system. This includes exploring the use of technology to automate the prior authorization process, reducing the need for manual paperwork and allowing for faster decisions. Additionally, the administration is also considering implementing a standardized prior authorization process across all insurance providers, making it easier for patients and providers to navigate.

The hope is that these efforts will result in a significant reduction in the time it takes for patients to receive necessary treatments. The official emphasized that the administration’s goal is to make the healthcare system more patient-centric and to remove unnecessary barriers to care.

The move to reduce prior authorizations has been widely welcomed by healthcare providers and patient advocacy groups. Many have expressed their support for the administration’s efforts and believe that it will bring much-needed relief to patients and providers alike. The American Medical Association has also voiced its support, stating that this move will help improve the overall quality of care for patients.

The official also highlighted that this is just one step in the administration’s larger plan to reform the healthcare system. The goal is to make healthcare more affordable and accessible for all Americans. The administration is actively working on other initiatives, such as price transparency and reducing drug prices, to achieve this goal.

In conclusion, the Trump administration’s efforts to reduce the use of prior authorizations in the insurance industry are a positive step towards improving the healthcare system. The hope is that these efforts will result in a more efficient and patient-friendly process, ultimately benefiting both patients and providers. With continued efforts and collaboration, the administration aims to bring about meaningful changes in the healthcare industry, making it more accessible and affordable for all Americans.

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