The House Committee on Ways and Means unanimously advanced bipartisan legislation July 15 that would modernize prior authorization requirements in Medicare Advantage, a measure backed by the American Association of Neurological Surgeons and Congress of Neurological Surgeons.
The Improving Seniors’ Timely Access to Care Act passed the committee in a 42-0 vote. The bill would establish electronic prior authorization requirements, increase transparency and accountability as well as streamline determinations for medically necessary care, according to a July 15 news release.
Alexander Khalessi, MD, chair of the Washington Committee for the AANS and CNS, said the committee’s action marks another milestone for legislation that has gained broad bipartisan support. The physician organizations are founding members of the Regulatory Relief Coalition, which has advocated for the measure.
If enacted, the legislation would affect more than 35 million Medicare Advantage beneficiaries, including seniors, people with disabilities and veterans enrolled in MA plans. The bill previously advanced through the House Energy and Commerce Committee’s Subcommittee on Health.
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