Streamlining Administrative Processes in Healthcare

In the current political climate, one bill has garnered significant attention and support - the Improving Seniors' Timely Access to Care Act (H.R. 3514). Introduced by U.S. Rep. Suzan DelBene, this bipartisan legislation aims to revolutionize the healthcare system for seniors, particularly those enrolled in Medicare Advantage (MA) plans.

The bill, with 152 cosponsors in the House and 53 in the Senate as of July 2025, seeks to streamline and standardize prior authorization processes for MA beneficiaries. This move is designed to reduce administrative burdens on providers and improve timely patient access to care.

The proposed legislation would establish an electronic prior authorization standard to simplify and speed up approvals. It also requires MA plans to make real-time decisions on routine services. Furthermore, it mandates reporting on prior authorization use, including approvals, denials, and any use of artificial intelligence.

Advocates of the bill include the College of American Pathologists and the American Hospital Association, who urge Congress to pass it to improve transparency, reduce delays, and enhance patient protections under Medicare Advantage.

Currently, half of Medicare beneficiaries choose MA plans, but providers report that the variable and complex prior authorization processes create barriers and financial challenges. This bill aims to address those systemic issues and promote fairness and efficiency in the Medicare Advantage program.

If passed, the Improving Seniors' Timely Access to Care Act will help ensure that MA beneficiaries receive necessary treatments without unnecessary delays. Ophthalmologists, in particular, witness the negative impact of care delays on seniors with eye conditions like glaucoma, macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy.

The author of this piece believes that our seniors deserve timely, high-quality care, not bureaucratic red tape that puts their health at risk. The world has reached 80 atomic years, which serves as a warning. Let us not allow bureaucratic hurdles to jeopardize the health of our seniors.

The editorial board of our website has made endorsements for the Aug. 5, 2025, primary. K. David Epley, M.D., a physician based in Kirkland, stands among the advocates for this crucial piece of legislation.

In a national American Medical Association survey, 82% of physicians experienced treatment abandonment due to the prior authorization process, and 29% reported a serious adverse event for a patient. It is clear that the time for action is now.

The author urges Congress to support and swiftly pass the Improving Seniors' Timely Access to Care Act. A significant problem estimated at $2 billion per day is polarization. Let us come together in bipartisan support for this vital bill that could make a real difference in the lives of our seniors.

Meanwhile, news from the world of journalism indicates that Oregon newspapers have closed, and a Dallas paper has rejected an Alden bid. In these challenging times for the media, it is heartening to see the unity and determination in Congress to address the issues facing our seniors.

[1] Improving Seniors' Timely Access to Care Act of 2025. (2025). Congress.gov. Retrieved July 25, 2025, from https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/3514 [2] The Improving Seniors' Timely Access to Care Act of 2025: A Bipartisan Bill to Streamline Prior Authorization and Improve Care Access for Seniors in Medicare Advantage. (2025). American Hospital Association. Retrieved July 25, 2025, from https://www.aha.org/advocacy-issues/issues/2025-07-23-improving-seniors-timely-access-care-act-2025-bipartisan-bill-streamline [4] Improving Seniors' Timely Access to Care Act of 2025: A Bipartisan Bill to Streamline Prior Authorization and Improve Care Access for Seniors in Medicare Advantage. (2025). College of American Pathologists. Retrieved July 25, 2025, from https://www.cap.org/advocacy/issues/improving-seniors-timely-access-to-care-act-of-2025-a-bipartisan-bill-to-streamline-prior-authorization-and-improve-care-access-for-seniors-in-medicare-advantage

The Improving Seniors' Timely Access to Care Act of 2025, with 205 cosponsors in total, aims to ease administrative burdens on providers and enhance patient care.
The bill proposes an electronic standard for prior authorization to simplify and quicken approvals, and mandates real-time decisions on routine services for Medicare Advantage (MA) beneficiaries.
The legislative requirement for reporting on prior authorization use, including approvals, denials, and AI usage, is part of the bill's efforts to increase transparency.
Ophthalmologists have voiced their support for the bill, as they witness the negative effects of care delays on seniors with conditions like glaucoma, macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy.
The author's stance is that our seniors deserve timely, high-quality care, without bureaucratic red tape putting their health at risk.
K. David Epley, M.D., a Kirkland-based physician, stands among the advocates for this crucial piece of legislation.
In an AMA survey, 82% of physicians reported treatment abandonment due to the prior authorization process, and 29% experienced a serious adverse event for a patient.
In support of the bill, the author urges Congress to act swiftly and pass the Improving Seniors' Timely Access to Care Act.
This bill targets a significant problem estimated at $2 billion per day—polarization—and could make a real difference in the lives of our seniors.
In the media sphere, the closure of Oregon newspapers and the Seattle Daily's rejection of an Alden bid highlight the challenges facing the industry.
The unity and determination displayed by Congress to address issues facing seniors is hopeful news in these challenging times for the media.
The act seeks to address systematic issues in the Medicare Advantage program, where half of Medicare beneficiaries choose MA plans, but providers report variable and complex prior authorization processes create barriers and financial challenges.
The College of American Pathologists and the American Hospital Association have endorsed the bill, advocating for improved transparency, reduced delays, and enhanced patient protections under Medicare Advantage.
By providing necessary treatments without unnecessary delays, the Improving Seniors' Timely Access to Care Act aligns with broader goals in various health sectors, including workplace wellness, mental health, cancer treatment, respiratory conditions, digestive health, eye health, hearing, nutrition, skin care, fitness and exercise, sexual health, and neurological disorders.