Healthcare Industry Updates: Medical Debt, Medicare Authorizations, and Policy Changes
Amber Nigam
Founding CEO @basys.ai | Harvard | 40u40 | TEDx Speaker | Op-Ed Contributor | Building the Gen AI Operating System for Healthcare
Welcome to this week’s briefing on healthcare policy and industry trends. In this edition, we cover a new toolkit to help doctors address medical debt, the rising number of Medicare Advantage prior authorization requests, RFK Jr.’s Senate confirmation hearing, and a proposed House bill to eliminate prior authorization programs.
Medical Debt Toolkit Helps Doctors Address Patient Financial Struggles
A new toolkit by Undue Medical Debt aims to help doctors assist patients in navigating medical debt challenges. Despite widespread health insurance coverage, many Americans struggle with medical expenses due to high deductibles, out-of-network costs, and insurance denials.
Nearly 50 Million Medicare Advantage Prior Authorization Requests Processed in 2023
Medicare Advantage insurers processed nearly 50 million prior authorization requests last year, a significant increase from previous years. While intended to ensure medical necessity, these requirements have been criticized for delaying essential care and adding administrative burdens for providers.
RFK Jr. Faces Scrutiny on Medicaid and Medicare in Senate Confirmation Hearing
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. was questioned during his Senate confirmation hearing over his views on Medicaid and Medicare. Lawmakers raised concerns about his past statements on healthcare policies, potential conflicts of interest, and his stance on government-funded programs.
New House Bill Seeks to Eliminate Health Plan Prior Authorization Programs
A new House bill introduced by Representative Jeff Van Drew proposes eliminating prior authorization programs in health plans. The measure aims to reduce delays in patient care and ease administrative burdens on healthcare providers.
These stories highlight ongoing changes in healthcare policy, access to care, and regulatory discussions that could impact patients and providers. Stay tuned for more updates in next week’s edition!