PAN disappointed that key healthcare access provisions were not included or fully protected in Congress’ year-end package and urges action in 2025
The PAN Foundation is disappointed that key bipartisan provisions that expand and protect access to healthcare and critical medical treatments for millions of older adults nationwide were not acted on—or only given a temporary extension—as part of Congress’ year-end package.
While the PAN Foundation is glad that Congress has extended the temporary coverage of telehealth services for Medicare beneficiaries to March 31, 2025, it is imperative that Congress act this year to permanently protect access to telehealth for millions of older adults.
And, despite hundreds of patient groups, thousands of patient advocates, and strong bipartisan support in Congress for the Improving Seniors’ Access to Care Act (H.R. 8702/S. 4532), the PAN Foundation is extremely disappointed it was not included in the year-end package. This critical bill aims to streamline prior authorization processes in Medicare Advantage plans, ensuring timely access to necessary healthcare services for older adults.
“Congress’ decision not to address prior authorization and only temporarily protect access to telehealth services will only harm older adults and further delay the care they need and deserve,” said PAN President and CEO Kevin L. Hagan. “On behalf of older adults nationwide, including the thousands who PAN supports every year, we are unhappy with this decision by Congress and urge immediate action in 2025. We remain committed to working alongside our partners and patient advocates nationwide to see these common-sense healthcare reforms passed in the new Congress because everyone should have access to the healthcare they need, when and where they need it.”
Temporary extension of telehealth for Medicare beneficiaries
The PAN Foundation advocates for access to telehealth services for older adults to become a permanent part of the Medicare program. Telehealth services can help expand access to treatment and continuity of care for all patients. While a temporary extension into 2025 is a start, urgent action is needed to protect access to telehealth services.
And while telehealth access benefits everyone, it has a significant impact for those living in rural areas, people with mobility issues, patients with multiple chronic health conditions, and those who use it to connect to mental health services. More than 4.1 million people with Medicare used telehealth services in the beginning of 2022, according to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), a big jump from pre-pandemic rates in 2020. Telehealth has become an expected and essential part of care delivery and must be made permanent.
Learn more about the PAN Foundation’s policy position on making telehealth flexibilities permanent.
The need to streamline prior authorization
The PAN Foundation urges Congress to address and streamline prior authorization challenges in 2025. The current system, in which Medicare Advantage plans often require prior authorization for routine, essential services, leads to unnecessary delays and, in some cases, irreversible disease progression. In addition, it places significant strain on already-burdened healthcare professionals, diverting time and resources away from patient care.
The Improving Seniors’ Access to Care Act would establish a secure, electronic process to expedite approvals, require Medicare Advantage plans to report on prior authorization practices (ensuring accountability), and mandate faster determinations for routinely approved items and services. These changes would be a step in the right direction and would minimize disruptions in care.
Learn more about the PAN Foundation’s policy position on curbing utilization management practices, like prior authorization.
About the PAN Foundation
As a leading charitable foundation and healthcare advocacy organization, the PAN Foundation is dedicated to accelerating access to treatment for those who need it most and empowering patients on their healthcare journeys. We provide critical financial assistance for treatment costs, advocate for policy solutions that expand access to care, and deliver education on complex topics—all driven by our belief that everyone deserves access to affordable, equitable healthcare.
Since 2004, our financial assistance programs have helped more than 1.2 million people to start or stay on life-changing treatment. In addition, we’ve achieved major policy victories that increase access to care, mobilized patient advocates to call for change, and educated people nationwide on critical healthcare-related topics. We’re committed to working towards a future where equitable health outcomes are a reality for all. To learn more, visit panfoundation.org.