Sep 17, 2026
Newly released records show Medicare's controversial AI-based prior authorization pilot program experienced lengthy treatment delays, technical problems, backlogs, and early warnings about contractor readiness issues.
A first-of-its-kind analysis by KFF of new federal data revealed significant variation in how health insurers handle prior authorization requests across Medicare Advantage, Medicaid managed care, and ACA marketplace plans, with at least one in eight standard requests denied last year.
UnitedHealth's insurance unit announced it will eliminate prior approval requirements for 30% of healthcare services, reducing delays and paperwork for patients and doctors. This represents a major policy shift affecting one of the nation's largest health insurers.