UnitedHealthcare To Eliminate Prior Authorization For 1,700 Codes Starting October 1

UnitedHealthcare will eliminate approximately 1,700 prior authorization requirements across five lines of business beginning October 1, 2026, representing a 30% reduction in prior authorization requirements for the affected plans.

The reductions apply to UnitedHealthcare commercial plans, Medicare Advantage plans, Community Plans, Individual Exchange plans, and Oxford plans. The changes affect services across multiple specialties, including oncology and cardiology, orthopedic and musculoskeletal procedures, genetic and laboratory testing, chiropractic care, physical, occupational, and speech therapy, home health services, and durable medical equipment.

The number of codes for which prior authorization will no longer be required varies considerably by plan. UnitedHealthcare will . . .