UnitedHealthcare has said that, this year, it will aim to reduce the total number of services requiring prior authorization by nearly 10%.

UnitedHealthcare, CVS Health's Aetna and dozens of other insurers say they plan to reduce the scope of health care claims subject to prior authorization, standardize parts of the process and ...

The nation's major health insurers are promising to scale back and improve a widely despised practice that leads to care delays and complications.

The move comes after the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson last December brought attention to the prior authorization process. Do you have a news tip for Investopedia reporters?

UnitedHealthcare, Blue Cross Blue Shield and other health insurers plan fixes to prior authorization, a common source of consumer complaints.

UnitedHealthcare said prior authorization is “an important checkpoint” that helps ensure members are receiving coverage for safe and effective care.

Experts say it’s no surprise that UnitedHealthcare often ends up in the crosshairs of public and political scrutiny, as it’s the nation’s largest insurer.

In 2023, Maine passed a law banning prior authorization for the first 12 rehab visits, making it one of the few states to curb insurer limitations on physical therapy.

'They won’t help me': Sickest patients face insurance denials despite policy fixes Prior authorization has become a pain point for patients and doctors.