Prior Authorization Bill Passed by the House Ways & Means Committee
July 24, 2026 | Uncategorized
The Improving Seniors’ Timely Access to Care Act (H.R. 3514) has advanced out of the House Ways and Means Committee with bipartisan support. The legislation is designed to improve the prior authorization process for Medicare Advantage beneficiaries by reducing delays and increasing transparency.
If enacted, the bill would:
- Require standard prior authorization decisions within 7 days and urgent requests within 72 hours.
- Expand the use of electronic prior authorization to streamline approvals.
- Increase transparency by requiring Medicare Advantage plans to publicly report prior authorization requests, approvals, denials, and response times.
- Require CMS to evaluate real-time prior authorization processes and report to Congress on implementation.
AHCA/NCAL has endorsed the legislation, noting that these reforms could help reduce administrative burden for providers while ensuring Medicare Advantage beneficiaries receive medically necessary care more quickly. The bill now moves forward in the legislative process for consideration by the full House.
