Trump HHS Moves to Speed Prior Authorization for Prescriptions

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services on Friday proposed new time limits and transparency requirements for prescription drug prior authorizations in Medicare, Medicaid, and Affordable Care Act exchange plans.

Prior authorization is under increasing scrutiny as frustration with insurance companies grows. The practice requires patients and doctors to request special access from a health plan for certain prescriptions, and can require patients to try cheaper alternatives first.

“Patients should not have to wait days or weeks for approval to start the medication their doctor prescribed,” CMS Administrator Mehmet Oz said in a statement. “This proposal moves prior authorization into ...