Shenango Valley News

Representatives Mike Kelly, Suzan DelBene, Ami Bera, and Larry Bucshon, along with Senators Roger Marshall, Sherrod Brown, John Thune, and Kyrsten Sinema, have issued a statement welcoming the new prior authorization regulations introduced by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). They believe that these regulations will greatly benefit seniors and their families by reducing unnecessary delays and denials in accessing medical care.

In their statement, the lawmakers highlight the positive impact of the new regulations on seniors' healthcare. They express their satisfaction with the changes brought about by the CMS, stating, "Today's action by CMS is a major win for seniors and their families. These new regulations will make a big difference in helping seniors access the medical care they are entitled to without unnecessary delays and denials due to prior authorization."

The legislators also emphasize the benefits for healthcare providers, who will be able to focus more on delivering better care rather than spending hours on the phone with insurance companies. They believe that the regulations will bring the prior authorization system into the 21st century by introducing streamlined approval processes and increased transparency.

However, while the lawmakers commend the CMS for these positive changes, they also acknowledge that there is more work to be done. They urge Congress to pass the Improving Seniors' Timely Access to Care Act, a bipartisan and bicameral legislation, to solidify the gains made by the new regulations. This act aims to ensure that seniors receive the care they deserve while reducing the burden on healthcare practices and hospitals.

The Improving Seniors' Timely Access to Care Act, led by Representative Mike Kelly and passed by the Ways and Means Committee in July 2023, seeks to modernize the prior authorization process in Medicare Advantage. This process often involves faxing documents to insurance companies, which is outdated and inefficient. The legislation received endorsements from over 500 organizations and was co-sponsored by more than 300 House members.

The introduction of the CMS regulations aligns with the goals of the Improving Seniors' Timely Access to Care Act. Both initiatives strive to improve seniors' access to timely and necessary healthcare services while streamlining the prior authorization process.

With these new regulations, seniors and their families can expect a more efficient and accessible healthcare system. The efforts of Representatives Mike Kelly, Suzan DelBene, Ami Bera, and Larry Bucshon, along with Senators Roger Marshall, Sherrod Brown, John Thune, and Kyrsten Sinema, have played a crucial role in advocating for these changes. By working together, lawmakers and healthcare providers can continue to improve the healthcare experience for all seniors.