Joco Today

U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kansas), joined Health and Human Services Secretary Kennedy and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Administrator Oz at a press conference on Monday to address prior authorization in Medicare, which he described as the primary bureaucratic hurdle for doctors and patients. During his remarks, Senator Marshall expressed gratitude to the Trump Administration for facilitating discussions aimed at making healthcare more accessible.

Senator Marshall shared an anecdote from his 25-year career as an OB-GYN about a patient whose infertility surgery was canceled due to additional steps in the prior authorization process imposed by her insurance company. He emphasized that many patients experience delays in critical care due to what he termed an "opaque and burdensome" system.

The senator noted that physicians and nurses find the ever-changing requirements of prior authorization increasingly challenging, often requiring more time than medical preparations themselves. He called for prioritizing patient health over corporate profits and arbitrary cost-cutting measures.

Senator Marshall expressed optimism about finding a solution by involving all stakeholders in discussions to streamline healthcare processes. He reiterated his commitment to reforming prior authorization procedures and improving Medicare Advantage, with the goal of ensuring timely care for patients.

He concluded by expressing his willingness to collaborate with Secretary Kennedy, Administrator Oz, insurers, and President Trump's team to make healthcare more patient-centered.