UnitedHealth Group (NYSE: UNH) will eliminate prior authorization requirements for about 1,700 service codes, including home healthcare.

The changes will go into effect on Oct. 1, 2026.

The move follows UnitedHealth’s May announcement that it would shrink prior authorization volume by 30% by the end of 2026.

“Earlier this year, we shared steps we’re taking to make healthcare less confusing, more affordable and easier for people to use. These latest actions are part of that work,” a UnitedHealth Group representative told Home Health Care News in an email. “They are designed to reduce unnecessary paperwork, make information easier to understand and help patients and care providers spend more time focused on care.”

In addition to home health, UnitedHealth’s prior authorization reductions will affect durable medical equipment, cardiology, occupational and speech therapy and site-of-service reviews, among other services.

The change will impact global Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes for UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage Plans and Dual Special Needs Plans. CPT codes describe procedures for physicians and other qualified health care professionals to perform.

The company has previously targeted home health prior authorizations. In 2025, the company announced it was eliminating prior authorization or concurrent review processes for home health services managed by Home & Community, which formerly was known as NaviHealth.

“Prior authorization is an essential safeguard but should only be used when it truly protects patients and improves care,” UnitedHealthcare CEO Tim Noel said in a May statement. “We are committed to further improving and refining our processes to make reviews quicker, simpler and more efficient.”

Eden Prairie, Minnesota-based UnitedHealth Group is a multinational healthcare corporation that includes UnitedHealthcare, the company’s insurance arm, and Optum, a healthcare services firm providing care in 20 states.