US Health Insurers Face Rising Costs as Prior Authorization Reforms Stall

A recent industry survey reveals that major US health insurers including UnitedHealth (UNH), The Cigna Group (CI), Humana (HUM), CVS Health (CVS), and Elevance Health (ELV) are grappling with mounting costs, increased regulatory scrutiny, and investor concerns. Simultaneously, healthcare provider groups report that promised reforms to prior authorization processes have yet to materialize.

The findings highlight growing challenges in the health insurance sector as companies balance cost pressures with regulatory compliance and operational efficiency. Medical providers continue to voice frustrations over administrative burdens associated with prior authorization requirements, despite industry pledges to streamline these processes.