To prohibit group health plans, health insurance issuers, and Federal health care programs from applying prior authorization requirements, utilization management techniques, and medical necessity reviews.

2/4/2025, 4:54 PM

Summary of Bill HR 639

Bill 119 HR 639, also known as the "Prior Authorization Reform Act of 2021," aims to prevent group health plans, health insurance issuers, and Federal health care programs from using certain practices that can delay or restrict access to necessary medical care. Specifically, the bill seeks to prohibit the use of prior authorization requirements, utilization management techniques, and medical necessity reviews.

Prior authorization requirements are often used by insurance companies to determine if a certain medical treatment or service is covered under a patient's plan before it can be provided. Utilization management techniques involve strategies used by insurers to control costs and ensure appropriate use of healthcare services. Medical necessity reviews are assessments conducted by insurers to determine if a particular treatment is medically necessary for a patient.

By prohibiting these practices, the bill aims to streamline the process of receiving medical care and ensure that patients are able to access the treatments they need in a timely manner. This legislation is intended to protect patients from unnecessary delays or denials of care that can result from these practices. Overall, Bill 119 HR 639 seeks to improve access to healthcare services and reduce barriers to receiving necessary medical treatment by limiting the use of prior authorization requirements, utilization management techniques, and medical necessity reviews by group health plans, health insurance issuers, and Federal health care programs.

Current Status of Bill HR 639

Bill HR 639 is currently in the status of Bill Introduced since January 22, 2025. Bill HR 639 was introduced during Congress 119 and was introduced to the House on January 22, 2025. Bill HR 639's most recent activity was Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned. as of January 22, 2025

Bipartisan Support of Bill HR 639

Total Number of Sponsors

Democrat Sponsors

Republican Sponsors

Unaffiliated Sponsors

Total Number of Cosponsors

Democrat Cosponsors

Republican Cosponsors

Unaffiliated Cosponsors

Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill HR 639

Primary Policy Focus

Alternate Title(s) of Bill HR 639

To prohibit group health plans, health insurance issuers, and Federal health care programs from applying prior authorization requirements, utilization management techniques, and medical necessity reviews.To prohibit group health plans, health insurance issuers, and Federal health care programs from applying prior authorization requirements, utilization management techniques, and medical necessity reviews.

Start holding our government accountable!

Comments

Sponsors and Cosponsors of HR 639

Jefferson Van Drew

New Jersey(Republican)

Latest Bills

To amend the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 with respect to the issuance of quality control guidance issued by the Secretary of Agriculture.

Bill HR 734March 25, 2025

Public Lands in Public Hands Act

Bill HR 718March 25, 2025