ARLINGTON, Virginia—The American Association for Homecare (AAHomecare) has formally endorsed the Medicare Advantage Improvement Act of 2026 (HR 8375/S 4384), bipartisan legislation that would deliver reforms to Medicare Advantage (MA) prior authorization, claims integrity and transparency practices. The organization said the bill directly addresses challenges members face daily and would improve access to medically necessary home medical equipment (HME) for Medicare beneficiaries.
In letters of support to bill sponsors Sen. Roger Marshall and Rep. John Joyce, AAHomecare thanked the lawmakers for their leadership and outlined the urgent concerns raised by HME suppliers nationwide.
“This legislation represents a major step forward for patients and the home medical equipment providers who serve them,” said Tom Ryan, president of AAHomecare. “We appreciate the leadership behind S4384 and HR 8375 and strongly support reforms that protect both beneficiaries and the providers who ensure access to medically necessary equipment.”
The legislation requires Medicare Advantage plans to respond to standard prior authorization requests within 72 hours and expedited requests within 24 hours. AAHomecare said these timelines would reduce delays that leave patients waiting for equipment and services. The legislation would also prohibit Medicare Advantage organizations from denying coverage for authorized items and services on medical necessity grounds once approval has been granted.
The bills require Medicare Advantage organizations to publicly report prior authorization denial rates, appeal outcomes and approval timelines. The transparency measures would give policymakers, providers and patients the data needed to identify abusive practices, drive systemic reform and ensure that MA plans are fulfilling obligations to enrollees.
“These policy changes strengthen accountability across the system and ensure that beneficiaries receive the equipment and services they’ve already been promised and suppliers receive payment,” said Cadie McGonagill, senior director of payer relations. “These are reforms our members have been asking for, and they will make a real difference for the people we serve.”