A bill to require private health plans to provide for secure electronic transmission of prior authorization requests for prescription drugs.

This bill (S 4349) requires private health plans and insurance issuers to provide secure electronic transmission for prior authorization requests for prescription drugs, starting January 1, 2027. It directly affects health care professionals (like doctors), patients needing prescription coverage, and health plans/insurers. The key provision mandates that requests and responses must use secure electronic methods meeting federal technical standards (excluding fax, non-compliant portals, or basic electronic forms), with standards set by the Secretary of Health and Human Services after consulting stakeholders. It applies to group and individual health plans covered under the Public Health Service Act, ERISA, and Internal Revenue Code.