The American Association of Neurological Surgeons applauded the House Energy and Commerce Committee’s Subcommittee on Health for advancing the Improving Seniors’ Timely Access to Care Act, bipartisan legislation intended to reform prior authorization in Medicare Advantage.
The bill would establish electronic prior authorization requirements, increase transparency and accountability and streamline determinations for medically necessary care. If enacted, the reforms would affect more than 35 million Medicare Advantage beneficiaries, according to a June 25 news release.
Prior authorization delays can postpone treatment for patients with conditions including brain tumors, stroke, seizures and spinal cord compression, potentially raising the risk of disability or neurologic injury.
The bill now advances to the full Energy and Commerce Committee.
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