CommercialPrior AuthMedium impact
National Gold Card codes updated to reduce prior authorizations
UnitedHealthcare·Network News
Effective date
Apr 1, 2026
We identified it
Jun 3, 2026
Summary
UnitedHealthcare updated their national Gold Card program effective April 1, 2026, removing certain codes from prior authorization requirements. This reduces the number of procedures that need prior authorization for providers who participate in the Gold Card program.
Action Required
By April 1, 2026: Billing team must review the updated Gold Card code list to identify which procedures no longer require prior authorization. Update billing system workflows and staff training to reflect that these codes can now be submitted without prior auth for Gold Card eligible provider groups. Verify your practice's Gold Card status in the UnitedHealthcare Provider Portal.