{"id":702529,"date":"2026-02-02T08:24:23","date_gmt":"2026-02-02T13:24:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.kff.org\/?p=702529"},"modified":"2026-02-02T08:24:25","modified_gmt":"2026-02-02T13:24:25","slug":"poll-people-view-prior-authorization-as-greatest-burden-in-navigating-the-health-system","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.kff.org\/public-opinion\/poll-people-view-prior-authorization-as-greatest-burden-in-navigating-the-health-system\/","title":{"rendered":"Poll: People\u00a0View\u00a0Prior Authorization as Greatest Burden in Navigating the Health System"},"content":{"rendered":"<div\n\tclass=\"wp-block-kff-shared-content--news-release wp-block-kff-shared-content\">\n\t\n\n<section class=\"wp-block-kff-shared-content-main\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"post-header\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"post-header__tag\">News Release<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t<h1 class=\"post-header__title\">Poll: People\u00a0View\u00a0Prior Authorization as Greatest Burden in Navigating the Health System<\/h1>\n\n\t\t\t<h2 class=\"post-header__subheading\">Many Report Impact on their Care, Finances and Well-being<\/h2>\n\t\n\t\t\t<div class=\"post-header__meta\">\n\t\t\t\t<div>\n\t\t\t<span class=\"post-header__meta-label\">Published:<\/span>\n\t\t\t<date>Feb 2, 2026<\/date>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\n\t<div class=\"post-header__social-sharing\">\n\t\t<button class=\"post-header__social-sharing__button print\">\n\t\t\t<svg width=\"16\" height=\"17\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n\t\t\t\t<path d=\"M4.348 2.5v3.391H2.783A.787.787 0 0 0 2 6.674v4.696c0 .429.353.782.783.782h1.565V14.5h7.304v-2.348h1.565c.43 0 .783-.353.783-.782V6.674a.787.787 0 0 0-.783-.783h-1.565V2.5H4.348Zm.522.522h6.26v2.87H4.87v-2.87ZM2.783 6.413h1.782a.26.26 0 0 0 .085 0h6.697a.26.26 0 0 0 .086 0h1.784c.148 0 .261.114.261.26v4.697c0 .147-.113.26-.26.26h-1.566V9.283H4.348v2.347H2.783a.257.257 0 0 1-.261-.26V6.674c0-.147.113-.261.26-.261Zm9.39.783a.522.522 0 1 0 0 1.043.522.522 0 0 0 0-1.043ZM4.87 9.804h6.26v2.043a.264.264 0 0 0 0 .086v2.045H4.87v-2.043a.261.261 0 0 0 0-.085V9.804Zm1.043.783a.262.262 0 0 0-.265.26.26.26 0 0 0 .265.262h4.174a.26.26 0 1 0 0-.522H5.913Zm0 1.043a.26.26 0 1 0 0 .522h3.13a.26.26 0 1 0 0-.522h-3.13Zm0 1.044a.26.26 0 1 0 0 .522h4.174a.262.262 0 0 0 .264-.261.26.26 0 0 0-.264-.261H5.913Z\" fill=\"#004B88\" stroke=\"#004B88\" stroke-width=\".5\"\/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\n\t\t\tPrint\t\t<\/button>\n\t\t<a href=\"mailto:?subject=Poll%3A%20People%C2%A0View%C2%A0Prior%20Authorization%20as%20Greatest%20Burden%20in%20Navigating%20the%20Health%20System&#038;body=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.kff.org%2Fpublic-opinion%2Fpoll-people-view-prior-authorization-as-greatest-burden-in-navigating-the-health-system%2F\" class=\"post-header__social-sharing__button\">\n\t\t\t<svg width=\"16\" height=\"17\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n\t\t\t\t<path d=\"M2.333 4.25h-.25v9.14h12.5V4.25H2.333Zm1.083 1.693-.353-.2V5.23h10.54v.513l-.353.2L8.333 8.73 3.416 5.943Zm-.353 6.467V6.884l.107.06 5.04 2.857.123.07.123-.07 5.04-2.857.107-.06v5.526H3.063Z\" fill=\"#004B88\" stroke=\"#004B88\" stroke-width=\".5\"\/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\n\t\t\tEmail\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t<button class=\"post-header__social-sharing__button copy\">\n\t\t\t<svg width=\"16\" height=\"17\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n\t\t\t\t<path d=\"M11.533 2.9c-.615 0-1.23.235-1.697.702L8.502 4.936a2.4 2.4 0 0 0-.575 2.46l.958-.958a1.32 1.32 0 0 1 .371-.748l1.334-1.333a1.331 1.331 0 0 1 1.886 0c.52.52.52 1.365 0 1.885l-1.334 1.333c-.21.21-.474.331-.748.372l-.958.958a2.393 2.393 0 0 0 2.46-.576l1.334-1.333a2.402 2.402 0 0 0 0-3.394 2.393 2.393 0 0 0-1.697-.702Zm-1.61 3.46a.533.533 0 0 0-.367.162l-3.2 3.2a.533.533 0 1 0 .754.754l3.2-3.2a.534.534 0 0 0-.387-.915ZM6.586 7.973a2.388 2.388 0 0 0-1.816.697l-1.334 1.333a2.403 2.403 0 0 0 0 3.394 2.393 2.393 0 0 0 1.697.702c.614 0 1.229-.234 1.697-.702l1.333-1.334a2.4 2.4 0 0 0 .576-2.46l-.959.958a1.32 1.32 0 0 1-.37.749l-1.334 1.333a1.334 1.334 0 0 1-1.886-1.885l1.334-1.334c.21-.21.474-.331.748-.372l.958-.957c-.21-.07-.426-.11-.644-.122Z\" fill=\"#004B88\"\/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\n\t\t\t<span>Copy Link<\/span>\n\t\t<\/button>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">New <a href=\"https:\/\/www.kff.org\/public-opinion\/kff-health-tracking-poll-prior-authorizations-rank-as-publics-biggest-burden-when-getting-health-care\/\">KFF polling<\/a> explores the challenges beyond costs that people with insurance face in navigating the health care system. People cite prior authorization review as their top problem by a wide margin, with a third (32%) saying prior authorization requirements are a \u201cmajor burden.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">That\u2019s more than say the same about understanding their bill or what they owe (23% say it is a major burden), getting appointments when they need them (20%), or finding providers who accept their insurance (17%).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When asked to choose which of those four factors is \u201cthe single biggest burden,\u201d prior authorization before accessing certain tests, treatments, or medication ranks at the top (34%). Among people with a chronic condition that requires ongoing medical treatment (about half of all insured adults), 4 in 10 (39%) say prior authorization is the single biggest burden when it comes to getting care, more than twice the share who say the same about other obstacles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cThe complexity of the health system drives patients crazy, can have real consequences, and disproportionately affects people who are sick,\u201d KFF President and CEO Drew Altman said. \u201cPrior authorization review is the poster child for that complexity.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.kff.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2026\/01\/ALERT-CHART-four-in-ten-insured-adults-with-a-chronic-condition-say-prior-authorization-is-their-single-biggest-health-care-burden-nbsp-beyond-costs-.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" height=\"656\" width=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/www.kff.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2026\/01\/ALERT-CHART-four-in-ten-insured-adults-with-a-chronic-condition-say-prior-authorization-is-their-single-biggest-health-care-burden-nbsp-beyond-costs-.png?w=1024\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-702530\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.kff.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2026\/01\/ALERT-CHART-four-in-ten-insured-adults-with-a-chronic-condition-say-prior-authorization-is-their-single-biggest-health-care-burden-nbsp-beyond-costs-.png 1640w, https:\/\/www.kff.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2026\/01\/ALERT-CHART-four-in-ten-insured-adults-with-a-chronic-condition-say-prior-authorization-is-their-single-biggest-health-care-burden-nbsp-beyond-costs-.png?resize=300,192 300w, https:\/\/www.kff.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2026\/01\/ALERT-CHART-four-in-ten-insured-adults-with-a-chronic-condition-say-prior-authorization-is-their-single-biggest-health-care-burden-nbsp-beyond-costs-.png?resize=768,492 768w, https:\/\/www.kff.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2026\/01\/ALERT-CHART-four-in-ten-insured-adults-with-a-chronic-condition-say-prior-authorization-is-their-single-biggest-health-care-burden-nbsp-beyond-costs-.png?resize=1024,656 1024w, https:\/\/www.kff.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2026\/01\/ALERT-CHART-four-in-ten-insured-adults-with-a-chronic-condition-say-prior-authorization-is-their-single-biggest-health-care-burden-nbsp-beyond-costs-.png?resize=1536,983 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Prior authorization ranks as the single biggest burden for people with employer coverage and Medicaid, as well as those who buy their own coverage (largely through the Affordable Care Act\u2019s Marketplaces).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">During the prior authorization process, some treatments or medications recommended by a provider may be delayed and, in some instances, an insurance company may end up denying medication or treatment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">About half (47%) of insured adults \u2013 and a larger share (57%) of those with chronic conditions \u2013 say their access to a certain health care service, treatment, or medication has been denied, delayed, or altered in the past two years by their health insurer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Among those who report such denials, delays, or alterations, about a third say it had a \u201cmajor negative impact\u201d on their mental health and emotional well-being (34%) and finances (33%), and a quarter say it had a \u201cmajor negative impact\u201d on their physical health (26%). This translates to about 1 in 5 of all adults with insurance saying that their mental or physical health, or finances, have been majorly impacted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Designed and analyzed by public opinion researchers at KFF, this survey was conducted January 13-20, 2026, online and by telephone among a nationally representative sample of 1,426 U.S. adults in English and in Spanish. The margin of sampling error is plus or minus 3 percentage points for the full sample. For results based on other subgroups, the margin of sampling error may be higher.<\/p>\n\n\t<div class=\"post-footer\">\n\t<div class=\"post-footer__title\">More On<\/div>\n\t<div class=\"post-footer__links\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.kff.org\/topic\/patient-consumer-protections\/\">\n\t\t\t\tPatient and Consumer Protections\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.kff.org\/topic\/public-opinion\/\">\n\t\t\t\tPublic Opinion\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.kff.org\/tag\/access-to-care\/\">\n\t\t\t\tAccess to Care\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.kff.org\/tag\/coverage\/\">\n\t\t\t\tCoverage\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.kff.org\/tag\/prior-authorization\/\">\n\t\t\t\tPrior Authorization\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\t<\/section>\n\n\n<section class=\"wp-block-kff-shared-content-sidebar\">\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n<div class=\"wp-block-kff-shared-contact-info\">\n\n\t<div class=\"wp-block-kff-shared-section-heading wp-block-kff-shared-section-heading--green is-spacing-narrow wp-block-kff-shared-section-heading--stacked\">\n\t\t<h2 class=\"wp-block-kff-shared-section-heading__title\">\n\t\t\tContact\t\t<\/h2>\n\t<\/div>\n\n\t\n\t<div class=\"wp-block-kff-shared-contact-info__details\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-kff-shared-contact-info__name-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t<span class=\"wp-block-kff-shared-contact-info__name\">\n\t\t\t\tCraig Palosky\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-kff-shared-contact-info__email-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t<a href=\"mailto:CraigP@kff.org\"\n\t\t\t\tclass=\"wp-block-kff-shared-contact-info__email\">\n\t\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"16\" height=\"16\" fill=\"currentColor\" viewBox=\"0 0 16 17\"><path fill=\"#004B88\" stroke=\"#004B88\" stroke-width=\".5\" d=\"M2.334 4.583h-.25v9.14h12.5v-9.14zm1.083 1.693-.354-.2v-.513h10.54v.513l-.353.2-4.917 2.787zm-.353 6.467V7.217l.106.06 5.04 2.857.123.07.124-.07 5.04-2.857.106-.06v5.526z\" \/><\/svg>\t\t\t\tCraigP@kff.org\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\t\t\t<\/section>\n\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>New KFF polling explores the challenges beyond costs that people with insurance face in navigating the health care system. People cite prior authorization review as their top problem by a wide margin, with a third (32%) saying prior authorization requirements are a \u201cmajor burden.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":155412894,"featured_media":702531,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"authors":[],"exhibits":[],"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"ep_exclude_from_search":false,"_classifai_error":"","_classifai_text_to_speech_error":"","hide_from_search":false,"show_featured_image":false,"subheading":"Many Report Impact on their Care, Finances and Well-being","tag":"","search_keywords":"","_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"shortlink":"","footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2}},"categories":[579145441,63719],"tags":[632330,128562,579145436],"program":[155109732],"series":[9252293],"content-types":[579145487],"partner":[],"class_list":["post-702529","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-patient-consumer-protections","category-public-opinion","tag-access-to-care","tag-coverage","tag-prior-authorization","program-public-opinion-and-survey-research","series-health-tracking-poll","content-types-news-release"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v25.9 (Yoast SEO v25.9) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Poll: People\u00a0View\u00a0Prior Authorization as Greatest Burden in Navigating the Health System | KFF<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"New KFF polling explores the challenges beyond costs that people with insurance face in navigating the health care system. People cite prior authorization review as their top problem by a wide margin, with a third (32%) saying prior authorization requirements are a \u201cmajor burden.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.kff.org\/public-opinion\/poll-people-view-prior-authorization-as-greatest-burden-in-navigating-the-health-system\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Poll: People\u00a0View\u00a0Prior Authorization as Greatest Burden in Navigating the Health System | KFF\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"New KFF polling explores the challenges beyond costs that people with insurance face in navigating the health care system. People cite prior authorization review as their top problem by a wide margin, with a third (32%) saying prior authorization requirements are a \u201cmajor burden.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.kff.org\/public-opinion\/poll-people-view-prior-authorization-as-greatest-burden-in-navigating-the-health-system\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"KFF\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2026-02-02T13:24:23+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2026-02-02T13:24:25+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/www.kff.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2026\/01\/ALERT-CHART-four-in-ten-insured-adults-with-a-chronic-condition-say-prior-authorization-is-their-single-biggest-health-care-burden-nbsp-beyond-costs-1-1.png\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1640\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"1050\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" 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