US Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Dr. Mehmet Oz announced a voluntary agreement with insurance companies to reform prior authorization practices. This follows widespread complaints about delays and denials of care due to prior authorization requirements. The agreement aims to standardize approvals, speed up decisions, reduce the number of procedures requiring authorization, and improve transparency. However, skepticism remains, given past failed pledges and ongoing efforts by Republicans to restrict healthcare access for millions.

Prepared by Olivia Bennett and reviewed by editorial team.