Prior Authorization Process Reform in Medicare Advantage Gaining Traction in Congress

The Improving Seniors’ Timely Access to Care Act (S.1816/H.R.3514) is gaining significant bipartisan support in both chambers of Congress.

The bill aims to simplify the prior authorization process in Medicare Advantage, streamlining the process by codifying and strengthening the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services electronic prior authorization rule from 2024. It received bipartisan support in previous sessions of Congress and achieved unanimous passage in the House in 2022.

As of May 26, the bill has 286 cosponsors in the House and 70 cosponsors in the Senate. The bill is short by four cosponsors in the House to achieve the two-thirds support required for overriding a presidential veto.

Sources:

https://www.cap.org/advocacy/latest-news-and-practice-data/may-19-2026

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/1816/cosponsors