WASHINGTON, D.C. – AAHomecare has formally endorsed S. 4384 and H.R. 8375, the Medicare Advantage Improvement Act of 2026, bipartisan legislation that would deliver long‑overdue reforms to Medicare Advantage prior authorization, claims integrity, and transparency practices. The bill directly addresses challenges our members face daily and would improve access to medically necessary home medical equipment for Medicare beneficiaries.
In letters of support to bill sponsors Sen. Roger Marshall (R-KS) and Rep. John Joyce (R-PA), AAHomecare thanked the lawmakers for their leadership and outlined the urgent concerns raised by HME suppliers nationwide.
Hallmarks of the Legislation
The legislation requires Medicare Advantage plans to respond to standard prior authorization requests within 72 hours and expedited requests within 24 hours. These timelines would reduce delays that too often leave patients waiting for essential equipment and services. AAHomecare has long advocated for these reforms.
- 4384 and H.R. 8375 would prohibit MA organizations from denying coverage for authorized items and services on medical necessity grounds once approval has been granted. This safeguard is critical and overdue for both providers and the beneficiaries who depend on them.
The bills require MA organizations to publicly report prior authorization denial rates, appeal outcomes, and approval timelines. This 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.
“This legislation represents a major step forward for patients and the home medical equipment providers who serve them,” notes Tom Ryan, president of AAHomecare. “We appreciate the leadership behind S.4384 and H.R. 8375 and strongly support reforms that protect both beneficiaries and the providers who ensure access to medically necessary equipment.”
“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,” added 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.”
See co-sponsors and read the bill language in the House and Senate.
