House Backs Bill to Speed Approvals by Private Medicare Plans (1)

The House on Wednesday passed a bill requiring better transparency and more timely coverage decisions by Medicare managed care plans.

H.R. 3173, the Improving Seniors’ Timely Access to Care Act, would require private Medicare Advantage plans to establish an electronic prior authorization process that provides faster and more standardized decisions for routinely requested items and services. The bill passed the House by voice vote. The Congressional Budget Office estimates the legislation will cost more than $16 billion over 10 years.

Medicare Advantage plans receive a flat monthly payment for each covered beneficiary based on their individual health risk factors. ...