STAT+: An insider reveals the real goals of prior authorization

STAT PlusNewsletterHealth Care Inc. Newsletter An insider reveals the real goals of prior authorization You’re reading STAT’s Health Care Inc. newsletter Manage alerts for this article Email this article Share this article By Bob HermanApril 27, 2026 Business of Health Care Reporter Bob Herman[email protected]Bob Herman covers health insurance, government programs, hospitals, physicians, and other providers — reporting on how money influences those businesses and shapes what we all pay for care. He is also the author of the Health Care Inc. newsletter. You can reach Bob on Signal at bobjherman.09. This is the online version of STAT’s weekly email newsletter Health Care Inc. Sign up here. Well, it appears the Associated Press chose violence with this grammar decision. Over my deadbody, AP. This debate has played out so many times, so do I dare ask you, loyal reader: Is it health care or healthcare? [email protected].Advertisement ‘The denial is the outcome’ Archelle Georgiou understands Americans’ frustrations with prior authorization. She helped squash the practice before, at what is now the country’s largest health insurance company. STAT+ Exclusive Story Already have an account? Log in This article is exclusive to STAT+ subscribers Unlock this article — plus in-depth analysis, newsletters, premium events, and news alerts. Already have an account? Log in Monthly $39 Totals $468 per year $39/month Get Started Totals $468 per year Starter $30 for 3 months, then $399/year $30 for 3 months Get Started Then $399/year Annual $399 Save 15% $399/year Get Started Save 15% 11+ Users Custom Savings start at 25%! Request A Quote Request A Quote Savings start at 25%! 2-10 Users $300 Annually per user $300/year Get Started $300 Annually per user View All Plans To read the rest of this story subscribe to STAT+. Subscribe Log In Congress, drug development, government agencies, Health insurance, insurance, legal, patients, PBMs, Policy, STAT+ Submit a correction requestReprints Bob Herman Business of Health Care Reporter Bob Herman covers health insurance, government programs, hospitals, physicians, and other providers — reporting on how money influences those businesses and shapes what we all pay for care. He is also the author of the Health Care Inc. newsletter. You can reach Bob on Signal at bobjherman.09. Newsletter Understand how science, health policy, and medicine shape the world every day Recommended The Readout April 27, 2026 STAT Plus: Astellas retries XLMTM gene therapy after deaths Biotech April 24, 2026 STAT Plus: FDA to speed up review of three psychedelics as mental health treatments Advertisement The Readout April 24, 2026 STAT Plus: Sanofi MS drug gets positive review in Europe following FDA Biotech April 23, 2026 STAT Plus: Trump celebrates closing first round of drug pricing deals, promises more ahead The Readout April 23, 2026 STAT Plus: Sanofi research priorities in flux as new CEO logs in Subscriber Picks