June 24, 2025
On June 23, US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Administrator Mehmet Oz, MD, met with industry leaders representing various health insurance markets—including Medicare Advantage, Medicaid managed care, and commercial plans—regarding a set of six reforms aimed at increasing transparency and reducing administrative burdens associated with prior authorization. Such reforms, spearheaded by America's Health Insurance Plans (AHIP), are intended to:
During a press conference after the meeting, federal health officials pledged that the system will be significantly better by the end of 2025.
The ACS has long expressed concerns about the many disruptions to care, coverage, and payment caused by insurers’ ongoing use of erroneous prior authorization requirements and has been a leading advocate in urging insurers, Congress, and the Administration to make meaningful changes to the implementation and oversight of such requirements.
The College continues to support the passage of the Improving Seniors’ Timely Access to Care Act, which would codify many of the policies included in AHIP’s reform strategy into federal law. Urge your elected officials to support this Act by using our SurgeonsVoice advocacy center. It takes only a few minutes with our pre-written correspondence.
Contact lfoe@facs.org with questions.