UnitedHealthcare announced it will cut back on the number of services requiring prior authorization by 30% beginning October 1, 2026. The major health insurance company first stated its intent to streamline prior authorization requirements earlier this year. Physician Specialties Impacted Physicians across multiple specialties can expect a decline in the amount of prior authorization paperwork required by the insurer later this year — according to its latest statement — including specialists in cardiology, genetic and laboratory testing, chiropractic care, physical, occupational and speech therapy, orthopedic and musculoskeletal procedures, and others. Insurance Plans United's cutback of prior authorization requirements will primarily impact its: commercial insurance plans Medicare Advantage plans individual insurance plans under the Affordable Care Act The company's new rural prior authorization waiver program also aims to ease administrative requirements for strained hospitals and clinicians in underserved areas of the country and will begin on November 1, 2026. Why Now? United's announcement comes after years of public scrutiny from physicians, patients, and others, who report that arduous prior authorization processes and other administrative burdens are endangering patients and overwhelming the healthcare system. Notably, the company was among the coalition of health insurance organizations that vowed to "streamline, simplify, and reduce prior authorizations" during a news conference with federal government officials in 2025. The Arizona Medical Association remains an active leader of efforts to reform commercial medical insurance in the state. We will continue to monitor the development and outcomes of United's prior authorization requirement changes.

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