Prior authorization reform is on the march. Next stop: House floor

Statement attributable to:
Willie Underwood, MD, MSc, MPH
President, American Medical Association

“Quick-moving legislation to reform prior authorization—adopted today by the House Energy and Commerce Committee—shows that this idea has bipartisan support and political legs. The Ways and Means Committee last week supported the Improving Seniors’ Timely Access to Care Act of 2026, and the Energy and Commerce panel tucked it into another bill and then overwhelmingly passed it. For too long, Medicare Advantage plans have misused prior authorization to delay or deny medically necessary care for our patients. This legislation would bring greater transparency and accountability to the prior authorization process while reducing burdens that pull physicians away from caring for patients.

“The next step is the House floor. The bipartisan votes are there. The need is undeniable. The AMA will work with lawmakers in both chambers and both parties until patients are no longer denied medically necessary care by red tape and bureaucratic indifference.”

Read the AMA’s letter (PDF) to the House Ways and Means Committee.

The American Medical Association is the physicians’ powerful ally in patient care. As the only medical association that convenes 190+ state and specialty medical societies and other critical stakeholders, the AMA represents physicians with a unified voice to all key players in health care. The AMA leverages its strength by removing the obstacles that interfere with patient care, leading the charge to prevent chronic disease and confront public health crises and, driving the future of medicine to tackle the biggest challenges in health care.