In an effort to streamline prior authorization processes, provider bunches, including the American Medical Association (AMA) and the Medical Group Management Association (MGMA), have asserted that the ultimate goal of the new regulations will assist in facilitating a more efficient and effective prior authorization workflow. Provider bunches are commending CMS for finalizing understanding data-sharing approaches […]
AI represents a promising frontier, especially in healthcare, where leveraging vast information could revolutionize problem-solving. However, a shadow looms over AI, as anticipated by many. In the realm of health insurance and patient care denials, AI has already stirred controversy, leading to a notable class action lawsuit. According to reports from healthcare News, Health Insurance […]
Uncertain about the details of Medicare Advantage? Here’s what you need to know. The Medicare open enrollment period, running from Oct. 15 to Dec. 7 annually, is now underway. This gives you the chance to make adjustments to your current Medicare coverage. One potential change worth considering is transitioning from original Medicare (Parts A and […]
Higher satisfaction with problem resolution was observed among beneficiaries who were more inclined to renew their Medicare Advantage plan. Medicare Advantage plans have garnered favorable satisfaction scores, with beneficiaries showing high approval ratings for trustworthiness, operational ease, and coverage adequacy, as outlined in a recent market research study. The 2023 US Medicare Advantage Study encompasses […]
Medicare beneficiaries are increasingly drawn to Medicare Advantage plans due to the perception of cost savings and added benefits compared to Original Medicare. The pivotal choice when navigating annual Medicare decisions revolves around opting for Original Medicare or embracing a Medicare Advantage plan (also referred to as Medicare Part C) provided by private health insurers. […]
In Congress this week, it wasn’t just pharmacy benefit managers facing scrutiny. The Senate’s Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations directed its attention towards Medicare Advantage (MA) plans, seeking explanations for claims denials. During the hearing, the committee’s chairman highlighted that letters were sent to the three largest MA plans—UnitedHealthcare, Humana, and Aetna—requesting documentation regarding their decision-making […]
On May 1, UnitedHealthcare made nine changes to its reimbursement policies for its commercial, individual and family, and Medicare Advantage plans. Some of the changes go into effect June 1, while others will begin August 1. Here are nine UnitedHealthcare reimbursement changes happening in the coming months: Commercial plans: Molecular pathology policy, professional and facility: […]
A new final rule from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) will make it harder for Medicare Advantage (MA) plans to require prior authorizations for their coverage The rule comes in the wake of a 2022 report from the Office of Inspector General of the US Department of Health and Human Services that […]
Federal healthcare leaders say they are committed to helping physicians, patients, and health insurance companies by improving the prior authorization process for medical care. On Jan. 17, Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services Administrator and U.S. Surgeon General Vice Admiral, held a listening session with health care stakeholders. That was followed by a conference call […]
The bill would aim to standardize processes and require greater oversight on Medicare Advantage plans’ utilization and denial of prior authorizations. Better Medicare Alliance (BMA) has endorsed HR 3173, the Improving Seniors’ Timely Access to Care Act, a law that seeks to reform prior authorization in Medicare Advantage. “When it comes to the use of […]