Improving Seniors’ Timely Access to Care Act of 2025
Sponsor
Mike Kelly
Republican · PA-16
Latest Action · May 20, 2025
Referred to the Committee on Ways and Means, and in addition to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Bill Progress
Bill Aims to Speed Up Medicare Approvals
Why it matters
Delays from prior authorizations directly impact older Americans’ access to care.
The big picture: HR3514 tackles a top pain point for millions of seniors—long delays and confusion when insurers require extra approvals for doctor-ordered tests, medications, or procedures. Prior authorization rules slow down or even block needed care, especially for older adults with complex health issues.
Zoom in: The bill would make Medicare Advantage insurers create a faster, electronic system for handling these approvals. The goal is to make the process more transparent, predictable, and less burdensome on patients and doctors. It aims to set federal standards for turnaround times, and requires insurers to give clearer explanations when something is denied.
Between the lines: This proposal comes as Congress and health leaders face mounting pressure from both seniors and providers to cut red tape in Medicare. With a huge bipartisan list of cosponsors, the bill signals strong political will, but could still face pushback from insurance companies wary of new mandates.
What This Bill Does
Electronic Prior Authorization
Requires Medicare Advantage insurers to switch to electronic systems for handling prior authorization requests.
Federal Standards for Approval Times
Mandates set deadlines for how quickly insurers must make decisions on requests.
Transparency on Denials
Insurers must give clear, detailed reasons if they deny a service or item.
Public Reporting
Insurers must publicly share data about how often they approve or deny requests.
Streamlining Renewals
Reduces repeated paperwork for approvals when a treatment or item is ongoing and previously approved.
Who Benefits
Senior citizens
Will get faster, easier access to the treatments and tests their doctors recommend.
Family caregivers
Face less hassle and uncertainty when helping loved ones navigate insurance.
Doctors and hospitals
Spend less time on paperwork and reducing frustration when advocating for patient care.
Advocacy groups
Gain leverage to demand more accountability from insurers.
Who's Affected
Medicare Advantage insurance companies
Must update their IT systems, respond faster, and submit more detailed reports.
Medicare Advantage enrollees
Could see fewer delays in getting tests or treatments approved.
Medical providers
Will interact with new electronic systems and may need to adjust office workflows.
Federal health agencies
Will need to create new oversight rules and enforcement mechanisms.
Cosponsors (258)
Suzan DelBene
Democrat · WA
John Joyce
Republican · PA
Ami Bera
Democrat · CA
Beth Van Duyne
Republican · TX
Judy Chu
Democrat · CA
Dan Crenshaw
Republican · TX
Yvette Clarke
Democrat · NY
Gregory Murphy
Republican · NC
Gwen Moore
Democrat · WI
Troy Balderson
Republican · OH
Kim Schrier
Democrat · WA
Rudy Yakym
Republican · IN
Recent Actions
Referred to the Committee on Ways and Means, and in addition to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Referred to the Committee on Ways and Means, and in addition to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Introduced in House
Introduced in House
What Changes in the Law
1 changes
Sections Amended
Section 1852 of Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395w-22)
adding at the end the following new subsection: ``(o) Prior Authorization Requirements
Committees (2)
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View the complete legislative text on Congress.gov
Source: Congress.gov
