Are the Tradeoffs from Prior Authorization Worth It? Author: Drew Altman Published: Mar 16, 2026

https://www.kff.org/from-drew-altman/are-the-tradeoffs-from-prior-authorization-worth-it/?utm_campaign=KFF-This-Week&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz--Z8kS-NZ1TCrUONwvdDZ1ecYjbZCCTWyUUgmsqJP_t89FJSg_YOgtrfl8Sd8x5YSWgdVwj0c0J797_hosSdL8Nyps3XQ&_hsmi=409789188&utm_content=409789188&utm_source=hs_email Are the Tradeoffs from Prior Authorization Worth It? In his latest column, President and CEO Dr. Drew Altman asks if prior authorization review could be eliminated entirely, discussing how it might be done and the tradeoffs. Costs are the health care problem that most worry the American people. But nothing makes American health care consumers more frustrated using the health system than prior authorization review. I know because they told us that, ranking prior authorization review far ahead of any other problems they have getting care and navigating the health care system, including getting appointments and understanding their bills. Four in 10 people with chronic conditions say it’s their single biggest burden getting health care.