July 28, 2022
On July 26, the AMA sent a letter to the Chairman and Ranking Member of the Ways and Means Committee in support of H.R. 8487, the Improving Seniors’ Timely Access to Care Act of 2022. This bipartisan bill is important for reforming prior authorization (PA) processes within Medicare Advantage (MA).
The MMA supports this legislation that, among other things, mandates MA plans to issue faster prior authorization decisions both for routinely approved services, as well as for all other services in Medicare Part C.
The MMA and AMA have long been concerned about the PA process and its negative impact on patients. As highlighted by the 2021 AMA Prior Authorization survey, the AMA frequently hears from physicians and patients about delays in care that result from laborious PA insurer protocols.
This legislation will help to standardize, streamline, and simplify PA within MA plans and improve the overarching timeliness of patient care while minimizing physician burden. The bill also provides much needed transparency within Medicare Advantage PA processes.
October 9, 2025
The MMA is partnering with Hennepin Healthcare to offer an in-person session on “Supporting Patients, Families, and Professionals in the Aftermath of Crisis” on October 21 from 6 to 8 pm in Room RL110 at the HCMC Red Building, 730 South 8th Street, in Minneapolis.
October 9, 2025
The MMA, in partnership with the Wisconsin Medical Society, will lead a panel discussion titled "The Role of Medical and Professional Societies in Supporting Clinicians and Community Health" at the Transforming Community and Rural Healthcare 2025: Bold Innovation and Partnerships symposium, to be held on October 27-28, at the Mayo Civic Center in Rochester.
October 2, 2025
The federal government shutdown will affect the Minnesota healthcare system in several important ways.