Listen in as \u201cLife Kit\u201d host Marielle Segarra and health reporter Sarah Boden untangle the red tape that can make the prior authorization process frustrating.<\/p>\n
When the doctor says you need a prescription or treatment, sometimes you need approval from your health insurance first. That\u2019s called prior authorization. Without that sign-off, insurance won\u2019t pay.<\/p>\n
What triggers the need for prior authorization is not fully clear. It\u2019s another \u201cblack box\u201d part of the health care system.<\/p>\n
You might think insurance companies mostly target expensive treatments or care approaches when a disagreement over effectiveness prompts a prior authorization review. Often that\u2019s not the case. Some doctors complain they spend a lot of time filling out paperwork to try to secure approval for medicine or treatments that are routine.<\/p>\n
In the meantime, patients can be left in pain, while their medical conditions worsen.<\/p>\n
Health Care Helpline helps you navigate the health system hurdles between you and good care. Send us your tricky question and we may tap a policy sleuth to puzzle it out. <\/em>Share your story<\/em><\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n KFF Health News<\/a> is a national newsroom that produces in-depth journalism about health issues and is one of the core operating programs at KFF\u2014an independent source of health policy research, polling, and journalism. Learn more about KFF<\/a>.<\/p>\nUSE OUR CONTENT<\/h3>\n