Getting the care you need shouldn’t feel complicated. That’s why Blue Shield of California is continuing to improve how prior authorization works — so members can get care faster and care teams can spend more time with patients, not paperwork.
Today, AHIP (the national trade group representing the health insurance industry) and the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association (BCBSA) shared a joint industry update on voluntary efforts to improve prior authorization. Blue Shield of California joined this commitment in June 2025, alongside other health plans.
The update shows real progress. Participating health plans have collectively reduced prior authorization requirements by approximately 11%, resulting in 6.5 million fewer prior authorization requests for members. The report also highlights stronger continuity of care protections so members can continue their care without disruption, along with clearer, easier-to-understand prior authorization communications.
At Blue Shield, this work is part of a broader effort called Prior Authorization Reimagined, launched in October 2024. The goal is simple: fix one of the most frustrating parts of the healthcare experience for members and providers.
“Prior authorization is an important safeguard to make sure care is safe and evidence-based, but when it’s overused or overly complex, it can delay care and create unnecessary stress,” said Frank Caporusso, senior vice president of Healthcare Quality and Affordability Operations at Blue Shield of California. “Reducing prior authorization requirements speeds up care, cuts administrative burden, and lets clinicians focus on patients instead of paperwork — leading to faster treatment and better outcomes.”
Looking ahead, Blue Shield is working to make prior authorization even easier for clinicians to do. This includes standardizing electronic prior authorization submissions, and expanding automation to speed access to care. At Blue Shield, our goal is to approach an 80% near real time response rate to electronic prior authorization requests by 2027.
“Our goal is simple: ensure members get the right care faster,” said Caporusso. “When prior authorization works the way it should, members don’t notice it — and providers aren’t weighed down by administrative work.”
For more information: Visit Blue Shield of California’s Prior Authorization Reimagined page to learn more about Blue Shield’s prior authorization commitments.