U.S. Rep. Mike Kelly (R-PA) reintroduced bipartisan, bicameral legislation on Wednesday that would modernize the prior authorization process under Medicare Advantage to help more seniors get the care they need.
“I am proud to reintroduce the Improving Seniors’ Timely Access to Care Act of 2024, which would move the health care sector into the 21st century by giving doctors and Medicare Advantage plans the tools to make health coverage decisions in a timely manner,” said Rep. Kelly.
The congressman sponsored H.R. 8702 in the House with lead cosponsor U.S. Rep. Suzan DelBene (D-WA), while the Senate companion bill, S. 4518, was introduced by U.S. Sens. Roger Marshall (R-KS) and Kyrsten Sinema (I-AZ).
“I was pleased to see this bill unanimously pass the House in the 117th Congress, and I look forward to swift consideration of the bill in this Congress,” Rep. Kelly added.
The prior authorization process requires health care providers to get pre-approval for medical services and is used by health plans to reduce unnecessary care. However, prior authorization is the No. 1 administrative burden identified by health care providers, Rep. Kelly’s office said. A majority of Medicare Advantage enrollees are subject to unnecessary delays due to prior authorization.
The legislation would create an electronic prior authorization process for Medicare Advantage (MA) plans and increase transparency around MA prior authorization requirements and its use, a bill summary said. The bill would also expand beneficiary protections to improve enrollee experiences and outcomes, among other provisions.
The bill has received broad support from more than 370 national and state organizations representing patients, doctors, hospitals, and other health care industry stakeholders.