Patients view prior authorization as the biggest burden in navigating the healthcare system, according to a new KFF poll.
Researchers at KFF surveyed 1,426 adults between Jan. 13-20 and found that 32% consider prior auth a "major burden," while 37% said the process is a minor burden. By comparison, 23% of people surveyed said understanding their medical bills is a major burden, while 20% said the same about getting an appointment with their doctor.
In addition, 17% cited finding physicians in-network as a "major burden," per the survey.
“The complexity of the health system drives patients crazy, can have real consequences, and disproportionately affects people who are sick,” KFF President and CEO Drew Altman, Ph.D., said in a press release. “Prior authorization review is the poster child for that complexity.”
When the surveyed respondents were asked to list the largest burden beyond cost, 34% cited prior auth. The next-highest was securing an appointment, named by 19% of respondents.
Prior auth is especially a pain point for individuals with chronic conditions, the survey found. Thirty-nine percent of insured adults with a chronic need said prior auth was the single largest burden they face in navigating their healthcare.
Respondents listed prior auth as the largest burden across partisanship, the survey found, and across multiple types of coverage, including employer-sponsored plans, individual market plans and Medicaid.
A majority (66%) of those surveyed said coverage denials and delays caused by health insurers are a "major problem," with 68% of individuals with chronic conditions citing it as a major issue.
The survey found that 71% of people under age 65 with employer-sponsored plans believe denials and delays to be a major issue, as did 70% of those with individual market coverage. About a third (33%) said they have had their health insurer deny coverage for a certain treatment or medication as prescribed by their doctor within the last two years.
A significant number of those who experienced a delay or denial said it had a negative impact on their health. A third (33%) said it had a negative impact on their finances, and 34% said it worsened their stress or mental health. Twenty-six percent said it had a negative impact on their physical health.