Sen. Amy Klobuchar discusses need to address prior authorization, workforce, telehealth in rural areas

Sen. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., chairwoman of the Senate Democratic Steering and Policy Committee, spoke on the need for Congress to address reductions in federal funding from the budget reconciliation bill passed in July 2025, prior authorization challenges presented by insurers, strengthening the health care workforce and improving telehealth in rural areas. Klobuchar is a sponsor of the Improving Seniors' Timely Access to Care Act (H.R.3514/S.1816), AHA-supported legislation that would require the use of standardized electronic authorization processes, increase transparency and establish faster decision timeframes for care.

"We will not find the answers to health care affordability as long as patients and hospital administrators have to spend hours on the phone appealing insurance company decisions," Klobuchar said.

Additionally, Klobuchar said she hopes to expand the Conrad State 30 program to further help meet physician demand in rural and underserved areas, and combat the $100,000 H-1B visa filing fee established by a presidential proclamation in September 2025.

"No great nation has expanded with a shrinking workforce," Klobuchar said. "We must agree to not have a shortage of these employees."

She also discussed the importance of strengthening broadband infrastructure in rural areas for telehealth services, partly by using Universal Service Funds and working to achieve permanent Medicare reimbursement for telehealth.