UnitedHealth Group is taking another step to refine its prior authorization requirements as it continues to face public frustration.
The healthcare giant’s insurance business, UnitedHealthcare, plans to cut nearly 10% of prior authorizations this year, the company said in a notice Saturday.
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As part of the initiative, the insurer said it will remove pre-approval requirements for home health services managed by its home and community division. The changes will apply to Medicare Advantage and dual special needs plans in 36 states and Washington, D.C., starting April 1.
UnitedHealth Group did not immediately respond to questions about the types of health plans and procedures the broader prior authorization changes will affect.
“They represent the next step in our ongoing efforts to modernize the prior authorization process and simplify the healthcare experience for members and healthcare professionals,” the insurer said in the notice.
UnitedHealth Group’s move to cut more prior authorization requirements follows growing backlash against the company and the health insurance industry in recent years. Dissatisfaction with prior authorization requirements and other barriers to care has been particularly acute since UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson’s murder in December.
UnitedHealth Group CEO Andrew Witty promised to relax more prior authorization rules for some Medicare Advantage services during a January earnings call with investors. Last year, the health insurer launched a “gold card” program to limit prior authorization requirements for some providers and procedures. In 2023, UnitedHealthcare reduced its prior authorization volume by nearly 20%. Other health insurers, including Cigna and some Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies, have also rolled back some prior authorization requirements.
