UnitedHealthcare Group announced changes to eliminate prior authorization barriers and accelerate payments for rural hospitals nationwide to improve access to care and lower costs.
In January 2026, UnitedHealthcare implemented the Rural Payment Acceleration Pilot to support improvement in Medicare Advantage payments from fewer than 30 days to fewer than 15 days. With faster payment processes, this program proved to support financial sustainability in rural hospitals.
By Fall 2026, the exemption for most prior authorizations will expand to cover approximately 1,500 rural hospitals, including all critical access hospitals and associated rural practitioners. This initiative aims to reduce costs and administrative burden while addressing staffing strains that disproportionately impact rural healthcare providers. The expansion will also include payments made through Medicaid and fully insured commercial plans.
Members with questions may contact the MHA Policy team.