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- Lawmakers press insurers on health care affordability
Amid a flurry of activity on Capitol Hill, private health insurers answered questions in back-to-back hearings on health care affordability. On the dockets were several topics, including:
Prior Authorization: Both parties strongly criticized prior authorization processes, urging for faster and more transparent methods.
- What they're saying: Health care CEOs expressed their commitment to improvements, while Rep. Mike Kelly (R-PA) promoted the Improving Seniors' Timely Access to Care Act (HR 3514)—and encouraged public support from CEOs.
- CAP members can use our Action Alert Center to urge Congress to pass the Improving Seniors' Timely Access to Care Act.
Medicare Advantage: Lawmakers discussed concerns about accounts of denied Medicare Advantage requests, limited access in rural areas, and reports of plans dropping crucial rural hospitals.
- UnitedHealth's CEO Stephen Hemsley discussed tight budgets and pilot programs for rural care.
Vertical Integration: Lawmakers expressed concern about insurers owning related health services.
- Rep. John Joyce (R-PA) requested a list of insurance branches considered as medical or quality-improvement costs by the end of February.
What's next: These hearings mark the start of a series on health care costs. The CAP will update members on future hearings and legislation addressing rising health care expenses.