HHS opens comment on new insurer prior authorization disclosure collection

HHS published a notice seeking public comment on a proposed information collection from health plans regarding prior authorization decisions. The agency aims to standardize the data insurers must report on approval rates, denial reasons, and appeal outcomes. This follows recent legislation and enforcement pressure to increase transparency around payer practices. For medical practices, the finalized dataset could provide a benchmark to challenge outlier denial rates and support value-based contract negotiations. The comment period is a procedural step; monitor the docket for the final instrument shape.