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In Coalition, ASAM Urges Congress to Pass Prior Authorization Reforms
On December 9, ASAM and fellow medical societies sent a letter to House and Senate leadership urging them to advance the Improving Seniors' Timely Access to Care Act of 2025. The bipartisan legislation would streamline prior authorization requirements within the Medicare Advantage (MA) program. The groups note that prior authorization barriers impede timely, medically necessary care for seniors.
Specifically, the bill would:
- Require MA plans to implement an electronic prior authorization system that meets federal interoperability standards;
- Promote transparency by requiring public reporting of approval and denial data and the disclosure of AI in coverage determinations;
- Give CMS authority to implement tighter deadlines for approving services; and
- Direct plans to base requirements on evidence-based criteria.