Medicaid: Prior auth reduction efforts expand to more states

This change applies to UnitedHealthcare Community Plans in Arizona, Missouri, New Mexico, New York, Ohio and Washington

We’re expanding our 30% prior authorization code reduction efforts to additional states for UnitedHealthcare Community Plans.

Effective Nov. 1, 2026, prior authorization will no longer be required for select CPT® codes in Arizona, New Mexico, New York, and Ohio.

Effective Dec. 1, 2026, prior authorization will no longer be required for select CPT codes in Missouri and Washington. Remaining community plans will be communicated as implementation dates are finalized.

Why we’re making this change

Removing these prior authorization requirements is part of our effort to help reduce administrative work, remove barriers that can delay care and give you more time to focus on patient care. 

Resources

Access the Prior Authorization and Notification Tool to check your patients’ benefits and prior authorization requirements.