ProPublica Seeks Accounts of Insurance Prior Authorization Denials
ProPublica is examining how health insurers’ continued use of prior authorization affects patients, after the industry pledged to reduce the practice but data showed it remained widespread. The newsroom is asking people covered by Medicaid, Medicare, CHIP, or ACA marketplace plans who faced delayed or denied requests to share their experiences. It also wants to hear from medical providers, insurance employees, and regulators, though it is not seeking responses from people with employer-sponsored insurance at this time.
ProPublica is investigating whether prior authorization still delays or blocks care, including treatments, tests, equipment, and medication. The inquiry follows pledges last year by many large insurers to reduce this approval step after backlash from patients, providers, and politicians. Data from last year indicated the practice remained widespread, and ProPublica reporting has shown it can postpone or deny critical care.
The newsroom seeks accounts from people in Medicaid, Medicare, CHIP, or ACA marketplace plans whose requests were delayed or denied. It also wants clinicians, their staff, insurance employees, and regulators to share insights. Employer-sponsored insurance responses are not sought for this project. Submissions are read, privacy is prioritized, and publication requires additional consent.
This reporting could deepen public understanding of how prior authorization affects access to care for Medicaid, Medicare, CHIP, and marketplace enrollees. If collected accounts reveal persistent delays or denials, insurers and regulators may face pressure to revisit oversight or procedures. Providers and insurance employees could also influence debates by describing how the process works in practice. The project’s broader impact may depend on verification, follow-up reporting, and whether policymakers or agencies choose to act on the findings.