UnitedHealth Group and Cigna are relaxing prior authorization processes days before federal regulators are expected to finalize an overhaul of their administrative processes.

The so-called clawbacks are adding to providers’ operational and financial challenges in an already-tough economic environment.

Recent proposed changes would force health plans to speed up prior authorization decisions and provide more information about the reasons for denials.

Humana gains market share from rivals when Medicare Advantage rates fall, President and CEO Bruce Broussard said during a TD Cowen healthcare conference in Boston.