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CMS Expands Prior Authorization Overhaul with 29 New Partners

other · 2026-05-15

The initiative by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to simplify prior authorization in healthcare is set to expand. A coalition comprising twenty-nine health systems, electronic health record (EHR) developers, and networks has partnered with leading insurers, with a target completion date of January 2027. This initiative seeks to alleviate administrative challenges and enhance patient care access by implementing electronic prior authorization standards. The coalition features a variety of stakeholders dedicated to shifting from traditional paper methods to digital solutions, benefiting millions of patients and healthcare providers. EHR developers play a vital role in ensuring the new standards are integrated, emphasizing interoperability and data sharing. CMS highlights the importance of stakeholder collaboration and may consider additional rulemaking to ensure compliance, aiming to reform a system that has faced criticism.

Key facts

  • CMS is expanding its prior authorization overhaul.
  • 29 health systems, EHR developers, and networks have joined the coalition.
  • Major insurers are also part of the push.
  • The coalition aims to meet a January 2027 deadline.
  • The initiative focuses on electronic prior authorization standards.
  • EHR developers are key to integrating new systems.
  • The goal is to reduce administrative burdens and improve patient access.
  • CMS may pursue further rulemaking to enforce compliance.

Entities

Institutions

  • Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)

Sources