Prior Authorization Reform Legislation Gaining Steam in Congress

On Oct. 20, the Improving Seniors’ Timely Access to Care Act (S. 3018) was introduced in the U.S. Senate. Sponsored by Sens. Roger Marshall, MD, (R-Kan.), Kyrsten Sinema (D-Ariz.) and John Thune (R-S.D.), this bipartisan legislation would help protect patients from unnecessary delays in care by streamlining and standardizing prior authorization under the Medicare Advantage program. The AANS and the CNS issued a press release endorsing the Senate bill. Additionally, the neurosurgical groups signed an Alliance of Specialty Medicine letter supporting this legislation.

Meanwhile, identical legislation introduced in the House of Representatives earlier this year has reached a significant milestone by garnering enough co-sponsors to pass Congress’ lower chamber. If the bill is brought forward for a vote, the 245 bipartisan co-sponsors are more than enough to pass the House. The AANS and the CNS celebrated this turn of events by issuing a press release expressing enthusiasm for the progress of H.R. 3173.