DelBene: Voluntary Commitments to Reduce Health Insurance Paperwork Not Good Enough, Congress Must Pass Bipartisan Legislation

Today, Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (WA-01) issued the following statement on UnitedHealthcare's announcement that it will voluntarily reduce prior authorization requirements. This follows last year's industry pledge to reduce prior authorization requirements.

"While it's encouraging to see health insurance plans acknowledge that their unnecessary prior authorization requirements are preventing patients from getting the care they need, these announcements shouldn't replace or delay much-needed legislative reforms.

"Voluntary commitments aren't enforceable and can be changed at any time. The way we truly reform this deeply flawed practice that worsens health outcomes is to pass the overwhelmingly bipartisan Improving Seniors' Timely Access to Care Act. This legislation would ensure that all insurers are playing by the same rules, modernize and speed up the frustrating prior authorization process, and create the necessary transparency and accountability for those who fail to meet these new standards."

Background

• In May 2025, Representatives DelBene, Mike Kelly (PA-16), Ami Bera, M.D. (CA-06), and John Joyce, M.D. (PA-13), and Senators Roger Marshall, M.D. (KS) and Mark Warner (VA) reintroduced the Improving Seniors' Timely Access to Care Act.
• This bipartisan, zero-cost legislation would help get seniors the care they deserve and allow health care providers to spend more time with patients by streamlining and modernizing the prior authorization process under Medicare Advantage.
• The bill currently has over 300 cosponsors in the House and 70 in the Senate, commanding super majorities in each chamber.
• In July 2026, the legislation was unanimously approved by the House Energy & Commerce Committee and Ways & Means Committee.