UHC Requirement Still In Effect – Get Your Patients Involved!
In August, we learned that Humana and UnitedHealthcare were implementing new prior authorization requirements for chiropractic services under their Medicare Advantage (MA) plans. Requirements such as these drastically affect patient care and chiropractic practices, and we firmly believe that such unjustified burdens create barriers for seniors to access a conservative, cost-effective care option. No justification exists to require additional pre-conditions for care for those seniors who have chosen an MA plan over those who are covered under traditional Medicare.
On Friday, we received some good news!
The MAC, working with ChiroCongress and other key stakeholders, has clarified that Humana’s previously announced preauthorization program for chiropractic services under their MA programs does not apply to Michigan!
Instead, Humana’s prior authorization requirements only apply to areas of Florida and California.
Chiropractors outside these areas do not need prior authorization for Humana Medicare Advantage plans.
UnitedHealthcare
Download the UHC Patient Advocacy Flyer and Urge Your UHC Medicare Advantage Patients to Take Action!
Unfortunately, we do not have good news regarding UnitedHealthcare’s prior authorization requirements, as they remain in effect for Michigan chiropractic Medicare Advantage patients.
The MAC continues to actively advocate on this issue on your behalf, working with national and other state chiropractic organizations to fight these changes.
One way you can help in this effort is to involve your UnitedHealthcare (Optum) patients. We have developed an advocacy flyer you can distribute to these patients, empowering them to act TODAY! The flyer explains the issue, details how it will affect them, and gives easy-to-follow instructions on how to contact their UHC and ask their plan representative to:
- Respect the treatment plan recommended by my physician and agreed upon by me, without unnecessary delays.
- Do not create barriers to accessing timely and effective care that helps me manage my condition without opioids.
- Stop the prior authorization requirement for chiropractic and other physical therapy care.
The involvement of patients across the state of Michigan and the nation, as well as the chiropractors who provide their care, will be critical to stopping these requirements. For more information, contact the MAC at info@chiromi.com or (517) 367-2225.
