Legislation to reform prior authorization processes in Medicare Advantage plans advanced on July 21 after the House Energy and Commerce Committee adopted it, according to a statement from Willie Underwood, president of the American Medical Association.
Underwood said, “Quick-moving legislation to reform prior authorization—adopted today by the House Energy and Commerce Committee—shows that this idea has bipartisan support and political legs. The Ways and Means Committee last week supported the Improving Seniors’ Timely Access to Care Act of 2026, and the Energy and Commerce panel tucked it into another bill and then overwhelmingly passed it. For too long, Medicare Advantage plans have misused prior authorization to delay or deny medically necessary care for our patients. This legislation would bring greater transparency and accountability to the prior authorization process while reducing burdens that pull physicians away from caring for patients.”
The next step for the legislation is consideration on the House floor. Underwood said, “The next step is the House floor. The bipartisan votes are there. The need is undeniable. The AMA will work with lawmakers in both chambers and both parties until patients are no longer denied medically necessary care by red tape and bureaucratic indifference.”
The American Medical Association has influenced medical ethics and education standards, contributed to advancements in health care delivery across the United States, represents physicians nationwide through partnerships with over 190 state and specialty medical societies, advances public health through collaboration with stakeholders, operates throughout the country collaborating with state societies, features a Board of Trustees as part of its governance structure along with a House of Delegates, councils, and committees directing operations, advocates for reforms in Medicare payments, and addresses physician burnout to improve patient care—all according to its official website.