Joco Today

Earlier this month, U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-KS), along with Senators Kyrsten Sinema (I-AZ), John Thune (R-SD), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), and U.S. Representatives Mike Kelly (R-PA), Suzan DelBene (D-WA), Larry Bucshon, M.D. (R-IN) and Ami Bera, M.D. (D-CA) introduced the Improving Seniors’ Timely Access to Care Act. This bipartisan legislation aims to streamline the prior authorization process under Medicare Advantage (MA), facilitating quicker access to care for seniors and reducing administrative burdens for healthcare providers.

The bill has garnered significant support from over 400 national and state organizations representing patients, physicians, MA plans, hospitals, and other key stakeholders in the healthcare industry.

"We are honored to work with the Regulatory Relief Coalition (RRC)," said Peggy Tighe, Principal at Powers Law. "This bipartisan, bicameral, non-controversial, and widely supported legislation is one of the most widely supported health care bills in the 118th Congress."

Rachel Monger, President and CEO of LeadingAge Kansas stated: "This legislation removes unnecessary barriers that prevent seniors from accessing timely healthcare. It alleviates burdens faced by seniors and their families during challenging transitions."

Chad Austin, President and CEO of the Kansas Hospital Association commented: "Greater transparency in MA plans’ prior authorization processes and a streamlined method for approvals will help clinicians provide appropriate and timely care."

Mary Beth Donahue, President and CEO of Better Medicare Alliance emphasized: "With more than 33 million seniors now choosing Medicare Advantage, this work is more urgent and necessary than ever."

Alan Morgan, CEO of the National Rural Health Association highlighted rural challenges: "Time spent processing prior authorizations is time that could otherwise be spent providing patient care."

Molly Guthrie from Susan G. Komen's organization said: "We proudly support the Improving Seniors’ Timely Access to Care Act... We urge Congress to act swiftly to remove barriers to patients accessing the care they need when they need it."

Bob Carlstrom of the Association of Mature American Citizens remarked: "This crucial legislation will streamline the prior authorization process under Medicare Advantage."

Hal Wolf from HIMSS added: "The bipartisan Improving Seniors’ Timely Access to Care Act would promote electronic prior authorization and streamline access to care in the Medicare Advantage program."

Bruce A. Scott, M.D., President of the American Medical Association noted: "We think this is the year to get this bill over the finish line."

Joseph Alhadeff, MD from Physician-Led Healthcare for America praised: "By increasing transparency... it will help empower physicians to do what they do best: take care of their patients."

Stacey Hughes from American Hospital Association stated: “By removing unnecessary barriers that create delays in treatment... this meaningful bill will improve access to care for seniors.”

William Dombi from National Association for Home Care & Hospice endorsed: “For too long... untimely prior authorization processes have been a burden.”

Steve Hentzen from Prostate Network thanked lawmakers: “Thank you for improving timely access to care for those navigating difficult treatment decisions.”

Josephine Gallagher from Free2Care advocated: “Delays in care due to cumbersome prior authorization processes can have life-threatening consequences.”

Katie Smith Sloan from LeadingAge concluded: “Positive change is urgently needed; the Improving Seniors’ Timely Access to Care Act will achieve it.”