On June 27, the AUA joined the Alliance of Specialty Medicine (ASM) in a sign-on letter addressed to the House Energy and Commerce’s Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee urging action on H.R. 3173, the Improving Seniors’ Timely Access to Care Act. The bill works to improve the prior authorization process in Medicare Advantage (MA) plans. H.R. 3173 will better streamline the authorization process, reduce administrative burden, and will provide affordable access to care for patients. A copy of the letter is attached.
Prior authorization is a process that requires physicians to obtain pre-approval for medically necessary treatments or tests prior to rendering care to patients. The prior authorization process can be a barrier for patients who are accessing medically necessary care due to the lengthy process and requirements that are needed to obtain approval.
The AUA continues to support legislation that improves the prior authorization process in efforts to reduce barriers for physicians providing care and for patients accessing care.
07_08_2022_ASM_MA_Prior_Authorization_letter_to_EC_06_27_2022.pdf