Utilization management practices in insurance create significant barriers for cancer patients, leading to care delays and emotional and financial strain.
Despite 95% of prior authorizations being approved, the process often results in diagnostic and treatment delays, affecting patients' quality of life.
Many individuals receiving therapy to treat their cancer faced insurance red tape and administrative inefficiencies, resulting in time toxicities, emotional and financial strain, as well as inequities in access to care, according to research entitled 'The Insurance Maze: How Cancer Patients Get Lost in the Red Tape of Utilization Management', which was published in the 2025 Red Tape Report by CancerCare.
A set of insurance practices called, referred to as utilization management, is used to control costs by managing when, how and whether certain treatments are approved, and this study underscores the need to reform these practices. Prior authorization and coverage disruptions routinely interfere with patient care, taking time away from treatment and directing it towards the insurance processes. According to the research, has led to advocacy for a more meaningful, and patient-centered, approach.
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Despite 95% of prior authorizations being approved, the process often results in diagnostic and treatment delays, affecting patients' quality of life.
Many individuals receiving therapy to treat their cancer faced insurance red tape and administrative inefficiencies, resulting in time toxicities, emotional and financial strain, as well as inequities in access to care, according to research entitled 'The Insurance Maze: How Cancer Patients Get Lost in the Red Tape of Utilization Management', which was published in the 2025 Red Tape Report by CancerCare.
A set of insurance practices called, referred to as utilization management, is used to control costs by managing when, how and whether certain treatments are approved, and this study underscores the need to reform these practices. Prior authorization and coverage disruptions routinely interfere with patient care, taking time away from treatment and directing it towards the insurance processes. According to the research, has led to advocacy for a more meaningful, and patient-centered, approach.
The Hidden Cost of Cancer: Time Toxicities and Insurance Delays
Dr. Alexandra Zaleta discusses how most cancer patients face prior authorization delays, despite 95% being approved, highlighting the need for reform.
