New survey finds insurers denied coverage for 21% of adults in the past year

A Commonwealth Fund survey reveals 21% of insured adults experienced a coverage denial from their health plan in the past year. The data signals continued friction in the prior authorization and medical necessity review process, directly impacting patient access to prescribed treatments and tests. This high denial rate arrives as state and federal lawmakers increase scrutiny of insurer practices, including bills targeting prior authorization reform. While the survey does not detail specific service denials, it quantifies the scale of patient-provider disputes with payers.