UnitedHealthcare to Cut Prior Authorization for Children's Care by Two-Thirds

UnitedHealthcare announced it will reduce prior authorization requirements for children by two-thirds by the end of 2026, aiming to ease administrative burdens for families and doctors.

The changes will eliminate pre-approval for many diagnostic services, routine surgical procedures, and specialty care including cardiology, neurology, and orthopedics. The insurer will also implement "authorization waivers" at select pediatric hospitals that follow established care practices.

For other pediatric services like diagnostic imaging, sleep studies, and routine non-hospital testing, prior approval will be eliminated entirely. Complex care and experimental treatments will still require pre-authorization.

The move applies to UnitedHealthcare's private insurance and Medicaid plans, and is part of a broader initiative to cut prior approval requirements for 30% of all healthcare services by 2026.