The American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) is applauding the reintroduction of a bipartisan federal bill that aims to reform prior authorization processes.
The Improving Seniors’ Timely Access to Care Act of 2025 (S.1816, H.R. 3514) was introduced by senators Roger Marshall, MD (R-KS), and Mark Warner (D-VA) and representatives Mike Kelly (R-PA), Suzan DelBene (D-WA), Ami Bera, MD (D-CA), and John Joyce, MD (R-PA). Forty-seven Senate and 73 House members have co-sponsored the bill.
The bill would make changes to prior authorization under Medicare Advantage, including transparency and additional oversight.
This legislation addresses barriers that impact timely access to lifesaving cancer treatments. In its December 2024 survey, ASTRO found that nine in 10 physicians reported treatment delays due to prior authorization, affecting more than a third of their patients on average. The society also cited a study published in April that found Medical Advantage plans are tied to higher overall costs compared with traditional Medicare.
ASTRO said it urges Congress to pass the legislation, providing "much-needed reform and supporting more efficient cancer care for Medicare Advantage beneficiaries nationwide."
