Patients still frustrated with preauthorizations despite insurer pledges to reform the practice

Patients and providers have been complaining about preauthorization requirements, which are used by insurance companies to help contain costs. KFF Health News reports that about a year ago, the federal government "announced that dozens of health insurers had signed a six-part pledge promising to reduce barriers to doctor-recommended care," and perhaps to the surprise of very few people, "some insurers now say they won't implement all the promised initiatives" and that "patients, their advocates, and clinicians say little has improved." Of concern, the article reports on insurers "retroactively denying payment, even when care is preapproved."

The industry might be able to delay regulation by voluntarily agreeing to some reforms, but if patients continue to encounter challenges with getting their medical care, there could be some legislative efforts to address the pain points. Addressing certain aspects of medical care seems to be one of the few issues that are popular with both major political parties, as evidenced by the legislation to prevent surprise billing.