UnitedHealth Group, parent company of UnitedHealthcare, has announced sweeping changes to its prior authorization (PA) requirements that will eliminate the requirement for chiropractic care and numerous other healthcare services by the end of 2026.
“Prior authorization is an essential safeguard but should only be used when it truly protects patients and improves care,” said Tim Noel, CEO of UnitedHealthcare CEO, in the May 5, 2026, UnitedHealth Group announcement. “Eliminating these requirements is one more way we are working to make it easier for patients to get the care they need when they need it and ensure doctors can spend more time with their patients. We are committed to further improving and refining our processes to make reviews quicker, simpler and more efficient.”
Doctors of chiropractic, other providers and patients have long lamented prior authorization requirements because they can delay needed treatment, limit access and even cause some patients not to pursue care – not to mention the administrative burdens. American Chiropractic Association President lauded UnitedHealth Group’s move relative to chiropractic care in a statement following the insurer’s announcement:
“UnitedHealthcare’s decision to remove prior authorization for chiropractic services aligns well with ongoing efforts to reduce reliance on prescription opioid pain medications, especially for common musculoskeletal conditions. When used at the onset of an episode of spine-related pain, chiropractic services offer an evidence-based, non-drug approach for pain management that research has shown not only to alleviate pain and improve function but also to reduce costly downstream healthcare services such as surgery, hospitalization and ER visits.”
It will be interesting to see if other insurers that currently require prior authorization for chiropractic care follow UnitedHealth Group’s lead, particularly given the ongoing industry-wide trend to streamline and reduce PA requirements. Stay tuned.
