UnitedHealthcare Eliminates Prior Authorization Requirements for 30% of Healthcare Services

UnitedHealthcare announced on May 6, 2026 that it will eliminate prior authorization requirements for 30% of healthcare services. The policy change, which represents a major shift for one of the nation's largest health insurers, aims to reduce administrative delays and paperwork burdens that have historically slowed access to medical care for both patients and doctors seeking treatment approvals.

Prior authorization elimination

• ▪UnitedHealthcare will eliminate prior approval requirements for 30% of healthcare services.
• ▪UnitedHealthcare announced the prior authorization elimination on May 6, 2026.

Patient care delays

• ▪UnitedHealthcare's prior authorization elimination will reduce delays for patients.

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