- For Immediate Release
January 17, 2024 - Contact:
Peggy Tighe
(202)256-6241
RRC Applauds CMS’ Final Rule on Prior Authorization, Calls on Congress to Advance Legislation Aligned with the Rule
Washington, DC—Today, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) finalized a landmark rule that will improve prior authorization for patients and the physicians who care for them. The Advancing Interoperability and Improving Prior Authorization Processes (e-PA) rule issued today demonstrates CMS’ dedication to protecting seniors and ensuring they have timely access to high-quality care.
The Regulatory Relief Coalition (RRC) — a group of national physician specialty organizations advocating for reduced regulatory burdens interfering with patient care — commends the agency and calls on Congress to codify these important policy changes by passing the Improving Seniors’ Timely Access to Care Act (Seniors’ Act) this year. The rule aligns with the Seniors’ legislation by tackling the overuse and abuse of prior authorization (PA) by Medicare Advantage (MA) plans, which threatens access to patient care and increases provider administrative burden.
“This is a watershed moment for patients’ access to care,” said Russell R. Lonser, MD, FAANS, chair of the department of neurosurgery at The Ohio State University and chair of the American Association of Neurological Surgeons/Congress of Neurological Surgeons Washington Committee. He added, “The rampant overuse of prior authorization, particularly in Medicare Advantage, continues to cause inappropriate delays and denials of medical treatments that our seniors need.”
George A. Williams, MD, senior secretary for Advocacy of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, said, “The final rule is a significant victory for seniors and physicians. Medicare beneficiaries who enroll in MA plans will now have the same access to Medicare-covered items and services as beneficiaries who opt for Medicare fee-for-service (FFS).” Dr. Williams noted, “We urge Congress to seize on this momentum and enact commonsense prior authorization protections for Medicare Advantage beneficiaries.”
