Secretary Kennedy to eliminate prior authorizations for 85% of medical interventions.

Secretary Kennedy announced a significant healthcare reform to eliminate prior authorizations for 85% of medical interventions, affecting 271 million Americans.

During the transition, a deputy consulted Dr. David Cutler, a Harvard economist with 30 years of expertise in U.S. healthcare. When asked for one transformative action, Cutler immediately suggested ending prior authorizations.

These requirements often delay care, as patients wait hours, days, or weeks for insurance approval after a doctor’s prescription. Surveys indicate 85% of Americans have experienced medical delays due to this process.

Kennedy convened 12 major insurance companies covering 271 million people, securing their agreement to remove prior authorizations for most interventions, retaining them only for specific cases.

This addresses a system where doctors spend 12 hours weekly on paperwork, navigating varied insurer requirements, such as faxes, calls, or online portals. Errors in this process frequently lead to denials, leaving many without timely care.

The lack of standardization across insurers’ systems has caused widespread frustration. This reform aims to streamline healthcare delivery for millions.