(May 1, 2026) – This past week, several U.S. health insurers, including UnitedHealthcare, Aetna and Cigna, announced plans to streamline prior authorization requirements. All the companies emphasized the use of automation and digital tools to reduce administrative friction for providers. The goal is to deliver at least 80 percent of decisions in real time by 2027.
Additionally, UnitedHealthcare has announced a nationwide initiative to exempt about 1,500 rural hospitals and all Critical Access Hospitals from most medical prior authorization requirements across all lines of business. The exemption will apply to all UHC payment types, including Medicare Advantage, Medicaid and fully insured commercial plans. The exemption is expected to take effect by Fall 2026.
Kansas Hospital Association staff will closely monitor the development of these announcements.
--Shannan Flach