Aetna, a CVS Health company, is expanding prior authorization bundles across all cancer types for members in eligible Medicaid states as of September 1, with plans to expand across all lines of business in 2027.

The expansion builds on an initial roll-out in which almost 25% of eligible members received a bundled prior authorization, accelerating access to care. Aetna found providers were submitting four separate prior authorizations on average for each member needing cancer treatment; the bundles combine medical oncology, including chemotherapy and immunotherapy where appropriate, and radiation oncology services with associated high-tech imaging needs such as MRI or CT scans, into one request submitted through a single portal.

Katerina Guerraz, Aetna Chief Operating Officer and President of Medicaid, said, "A cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming for patients and families, and the care team should be focused on their patient, not paperwork. By approving a broader set of treatments and related services upfront, we're removing barriers that can delay care. Oncologists have the flexibility to make care decisions as treatment plans evolve, and individuals can focus on what matters most: their health, recovery, and time with their loved ones."

Administrative burden remains a significant challenge for healthcare providers: according to Aetna's latest Provider Survey, 74% of providers identified administrative burden as the top challenge facing clinical staff, with nearly one-third citing prior authorization management as the single largest contributor. Thirty percent of survey respondents believed they could save more than an hour daily on administrative tasks through technology solutions such as bundles, and 80% expect to save more than 30 minutes.

Aetna expects to expand eligibility to Medicare and Commercial members in the first half of 2027.