Sarah Bowden

Part of the problem is that rules for how prior authorizations are handled and when one is needed vary between insurance companies and policies.

University of Pittsburgh health policy researcher Miranda Yavar says this is confusing for doctors and patients.

although there is promise at the state level.

AHIP, the insurer trade group formerly known as America's Health Insurance Plan, says prior authorizations help insure patients receive safe, evidence-based care and keep costs low.

For NPR News, I'm Sarah Bowden.

Part of the problem is that rules for how prior authorizations are handled and when one is needed vary between insurance companies and policies.

University of Pittsburgh health policy researcher Miranda Yavar says this is confusing for doctors and patients.

It's a solvable problem if we have the will and the political conditions are ripe.

I don't think know that they are at this particular moment.

although there is promise at the state level.

AHIP, the insurer trade group formerly known as America's Health Insurance Plan, says prior authorizations help insure patients receive safe, evidence-based care and keep costs low.

For NPR News, I'm Sarah Bowden.

Part of the problem is that rules for how prior authorizations are handled and when one is needed vary between insurance companies and policies.

University of Pittsburgh health policy researcher Miranda Yavar says this is confusing for doctors and patients.

It's a solvable problem if we have the will and the political conditions are ripe.

I don't think know that they are at this particular moment.

although there is promise at the state level.

AHIP, the insurer trade group formerly known as America's Health Insurance Plan, says prior authorizations help insure patients receive safe, evidence-based care and keep costs low.

For NPR News, I'm Sarah Bowden.

Preliminary data from December show that enrollment is down a bit compared to last December, but overall, it is higher than expected.