We’re Investigating Prior Authorization. Help ProPublica Understand Your Health Insurance Denial.
By [email protected] · Oct 9, 2026, 4:00 AM CDT
Illustration by Shoshana Gordon/ProPublica Last year, many of America’s largest health insurers vowed to reduce their use of prior authorization — the extra layer of approval insurers require before covering a medical expense. The industry’s pledge came after massive backlash to the process from patients, providers and politicians. ProPublica’s reporting has found it can delay or outright deny pat
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Layer 1 · Claims & fact checks
AI analysisLayer 3 · Reporting analysis
AI analysisAppeal to EmotionFrames prior authorization as a source of widespread frustration and hardship, evoking empathy.
Call to ActionDirectly asks readers to contribute stories, positioning the article as a participatory investigation.
Authority ClaimUses ProPublica’s prior reporting to establish credibility for the current investigation.
Context
AI analysisMissing context
The article does not provide the specific data or sources that demonstrate insurers are still heavily using prior authorization, nor does it include responses or statements from insurers, regulators, or industry groups about current practices.
Important context
Prior authorization is a common insurer requirement that can affect access to treatments, tests, equipment, and medication. Public backlash and political pressure have previously prompted insurers to promise reductions in its use.
Opinion vs. reporting
AI analysisThe piece blends factual reporting (e.g., insurers’ prior pledge, ProPublica’s earlier findings) with a call‑to‑action inviting readers to share personal experiences, which is more advocacy‑oriented than pure news reporting.