04/27/2026
US Health Insurers Take Steps To Standardize Prior Authorization Requirements
Reuters (4/24, Pandey, Sunny) reported UnitedHealth and CVS Health “said on Friday they have standardized data and submission requirements for more than half of their prior authorizations, as part of an industry effort to reduce delays and paperwork for patients and doctors.” UnitedHealthcare stated that “more than 70% of prior authorization requests will be part of this standardized process by the end of the year. The process will apply across its commercial plans, government-backed Medicare Advantage and Medicaid businesses, the insurer said.” Meanwhile, “CVS Health said its Aetna insurance unit has standardized 88% of its prior authorization volume.” The move comes as US health insurers, “which have come under scrutiny to simplify their requirements for prior approval on medicines and medical services, have been working to deliver on commitments made last year to cut red tape and improve transparency.”
UnitedHealth and CVS Health said on Friday they have standardized data and submission requirements for more than half of their prior authorizations, as part of an industry effort to reduce delays and paperwork for patients and doctors.
