UHC: Some prior authorization requirements temporarily suspended

UnitedHealthcare (UHC) is suspending certain prior authorization requirements for in-network hospitals and skilled nursing facilities through January 31, the organization announced January 8. The temporary suspension affects facilities in UHC’s Medicare Advantage, Medicaid, individual, and group health plans and is retroactively effective December 18.

After January 31, UHC may review services provided during the temporary suspension period. Other requirements, such as admission notification, are still in place.

The American Hospital Association applauded UHC’s decision to temporarily suspend some prior authorization requirements. It has previously urged payers to reduce administrative burden on provider organizations during the COVID-19 pandemic.