UnitedHealthcare drops prior authorization for home health in 30+ states

UnitedHealthcare corporate headquarters in Minnetonka, MN. Credit: Ken Wolter/Shutterstock

UnitedHealthcare has notified providers that it will eliminate prior authorizations for home health services managed by Optum Home & Community (formerly NaviHealth). The change, which applies to Medicare Advantage and dual special needs plans, will take effect on April 1 in more than 30 states.

“We’ll no longer require prior authorization or concurrent review processes for home health services managed by Home & Community,” the company said. “These changes are part of ongoing efforts to reduce total UnitedHealthcare prior authorization volume. They represent the next step in our ongoing efforts to modernize the prior authorization process and simplify the health care experience for members and health care professionals.”