Humana ends controversial prior authorization policy in Georgia

Humana ended a cataract surgery prior authorization policy for Medicare Advantage beneficiaries in Georgia that had been criticized by ophthalmology groups.

The policy ended Aug. 1, about a year after it was first announced, according to an Aug. 3 American Academy of Ophthalmology news release. The academy joined with the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery and the Georgia Society of Ophthalmology to push back against the policy. The groups argued that the "irrational policy caused unnecessary treatment delays and denials for people in Georgia who needed surgery to restore their sight."

The groups applauded Humana's decision, but said they are taking aim at a similar policy from Aetna that affects Medicare Advantage beneficiaries in Georgia and Florida, according to the release. Two years ago, Aetna implemented a prior authorization policy for cataract procedures, but rescinded the policy in July 2022, except in those two states.