Holy Crap Lois! Insurance Companies Are Actually Doing Something... Maybe?

Prior Authorization? More Like Prior Annoyance!

Alright so here's the deal Lois. You know how sometimes you gotta jump through like a million hoops just to get the doctor to give you say some ointment for that rash... you know the one that looks like Cleveland's face? Well that's 'prior authorization.' Basically insurance companies wanna make sure you're not just faking sick to get outta work. Which let's be honest I've done a few times. Remember that time I faked a limp to get out of mowing the lawn? Good times.

Insurance Giants Try Not To Look Like Total Jerks

So these big shot insurance companies like CVS Health UnitedHealthcare Cigna Humana Elevance Health and Blue Cross Blue Shield – sounds like a law firm right? – they're all saying they're gonna make prior authorizations less of a pain in the butt. Apparently all this paperwork is giving doctors the burnout and nobody wants a grumpy doctor poking around with their prostate. Not even Quagmire! Giggity!

257 Million Americans? That's a LOTTA People!

They're claiming these changes will help like 257 million Americans! That's almost as many hot wings I can eat in one sitting! And get this they’re gonna do it across all kinds of plans. Commercial Medicare Medicaid... you name it! It's like a big insurance party and everyone's invited... except maybe Death. He never pays his premiums.

Timing is Everything (Especially When You're Late for Happy Hour)

Now this all comes after some serious heat the insurance industry's been catching especially after what happened with that UnitedHealthcare exec. Yikes! So maybe they're just trying to look good. But hey I learned a long time ago I rather be covered in insurance than being covered in the red ink of a $50,000 medical debt! It's kind of like when I promised to quit drinking after that incident with the inflatable T Rex at the company picnic... I meant well but… you know.

By 2027? That's Like a Whole Season of 'Family Guy' Away!

They're talking about having a standard way to send in all these authorization requests electronically by 2027. And they hope to have 80% of approvals done in real time. Real time! Finally something faster than me running to the fridge when Lois yells 'Dinner's ready!' Also they plan to reduce the types of claims that need prior authorization by 2026. Good thing cause the amount of times I had to ask permission just to get my bunions treated was getting ridiculous. Like when Dr. Hartman said to me remember Peter a foot rub a day keeps the depression away.

Will It Actually Work? Don't Get Your Hopes Up Too High!

Some fancy doctor guy Shawn Martin is saying he's looking forward to working with the insurance companies to make sure this actually helps patients. Well good luck with that buddy! Dealing with insurance companies is like trying to reason with Stewie when he's got his mind set on world domination. But hey I always say “Never underestimate the power of a well placed bribe!” Maybe we should all send our insurance companies some cookies. With… you know… a little “something” extra in them.