UnitedHealthcare Cuts Prior Authorization Requirements by 30%

About this update from Unitedhealth Group Incorporated

Continues to build on recently announced initiatives to reduce requirements for rural care providers and to standardize submission requirements among insurers May 05, 2026--(BUSINESS WIRE)--UnitedHealthcare is eliminating authorization requirements for 30% of healthcare services that previously required insurer approval. This initiative builds on a series of recent, industry-leading commitments the company has made to make healthcare simpler and more affordable, while raising the bar for transparency and accountability across the marketplace. "Prior authorization is an essential safeguard but should only be used when it truly protects patients and improves care," said Tim Noel, CEO of UnitedHealthcare. "Eliminating these requirements is one more way we are working to make it easier for patients to get the care they need when they need it and ensure doctors can spend more time with their patients. We are committed to further improving and refining our processes to make reviews quicker, simpler and more efficient." Today, prior authorization is required for only 2% of UnitedHealthcare medical services. Of the authorizations that are submitted, around 92% are approved and in less than 24 hours, on average. Within Medicare Advantage, UnitedHealthcare has fewer prior authorization requirements than any other insurer. By the end of 2026, UnitedHealthcare will eliminate an additional 30% of remaining prior authorizations, including select outpatient surgeries, some diagnostic tests like echocardiograms, and certain outpatient therapies and chiropractic care. A full list will be available on UHCProvider.com before these changes take effect. Today’s announcement builds on an ongoing effort to improve and simplify patient and care provider experiences and lower costs for consumers, including: On April 24, 2026, UnitedHealthcare championed an industry effort to standardize electronic prior authorization submission requirements, laying the groundwork for greater automation and interoperability, and a more seamless experience for care providers and patients. More than 70% of UnitedHealthcare’s prior authorizations will be part of the new standardized submission process by year‑end. On April 20, 2026, UnitedHealthcare announced that it is expanding support for rural healthcare communities by accelerating payments to more select hospitals nationwide ...

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