Key MA Prior Authorization Bill Advances

July 06, 2026

The House of Representatives Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health recently advanced a HAP-endorsed bill to streamline prior authorization for Medicare advantage plans.

The Improving Seniors' Timely Access to Care Act, sponsored by Representative Mike Kelly (R-PA-16), would ensure Pennsylvania seniors receive the timely care they need and deserve. The legislation would:

• Establish an electronic prior authorization process for Medicare Advantage plans including a standardization for transactions and clinical attachments.
• Increase transparency for Medicare Advantage prior authorization requirements and its use.
• Clarify CMS’ authority to establish timeframes for electronic prior authorization requests including expedited determinations, real-time decisions for routinely approved items and services, and other requests.
• Expand beneficiary protections to improve enrollee experiences and outcomes.
• Require HHS and other agencies to report to Congress on program integrity efforts and other ways to further improve the e-PA process.

The legislation has nearly 300 co-sponsors, including Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA-1); Brendan Boyle (D-PA-2); Dwight Evans (D-PA-3); Madeleine Dean (D-PA-4); Mary Gay Scanlon (D-PA-5); Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA-6); Ryan Mackenzie (R-PA-7); Rob Bresnahan (R-PA-8); Dan Meuser (R-PA-9); Lloyd Smucker (R-PA-11); John Joyce (R-PA-13); Glenn Thompson (R-PA-15); and Chris Deluzio (D-PA-17).

HAP thanks members of the Pennsylvania delegation for their support of this important legislation and will provides updates as it advances through Congress. For additional information, contact John Myers, vice president, federal advocacy.