Statement on Insurers’ Voluntary Prior Authorization Reforms

By Soumi Saha, Senior Vice President, Government Affairs, Premier Inc.

Premier welcomes the announcement by major insurers to streamline prior authorization as our data and advocacy efforts in this area were undoubtedly irrefutable and demanded change.

Premier found that claims adjudication cost healthcare providers nearly $20 billion annually. Even more telling, over half of denials were ultimately overturned and paid, but only after multiple, costly rounds of review.

Real-time approvals, fewer hoops for providers and honoring prior authorizations across plans are all steps in the right direction. Still, voluntary pledges aren’t the same as enforceable protections. Patients and providers deserve more than promises—they deserve accountability. Premier urges policymakers to build on this momentum and lock in real reform. We’re ready to work together to ensure that care decisions stay where they belong: between patients and their healthcare providers.