BCBS of Michigan Becomes Latest Insurer to Reduce Prior Authorizations
September
15
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan announced on Sept. 7 that it plans to reduce the use of prior authorization (PA) by 20%, becoming the latest payer to cut its PA requirements. While the moves make care delivery less burdensome for providers and patients, health insurers should also benefit from not relying as much on PA, according to health policy experts who spoke with AIS Health, a division of MMIT.
Michael Lutz, a senior consultant at Avalere Health, says that insurers can lower their administrative burden and focus on services where PAs are essential such as costly or high-volume procedures. He adds that plans announce their PA reductions as a marketing tool, too.
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