Prior Authorization (PA) requirements are widely recognized as the Payor’s Boogeyman because they create overly burdensome, layered processes for patients to obtain approval for provider-prescribed care. These processes often result in lengthy delays that increase the likelihood that patients will abandon their care or treatment plans rather than fight the system. Numerous associations representing varied interests within the healthcare sector have correctly labeled PAs as fueling health disparities with disproportionate impacts on poor and minority populations.

This project illustrates key topics for public policy and patient advocacy stakeholders to explore, including the issues limiting access to healthcare services and pharmaceutical therapies. Aside from current health systems infrastructure hurdles, rural health inequity, potential provider biases (including conflicts/assumptions), optimal patient health is too often undermined by payor-driven obstructions, such as prior authorization.

PA directly impacts patient access and patient care. Read why here…