CommercialPrior AuthHigh impact
21-421 Prior Authorization Extensions Ending
Health Net·CA·Prior Authorization
Effective date
Aug 19, 2021
We identified it
Jun 20, 2026
Summary
Health Net is ending COVID-19 prior authorization extensions, reducing PA validity from 6 months back to the standard 3 months effective August 19, 2021. Current extended PAs will be honored until their expiration date, but all new PAs will only be valid for 3 months.
Action Required
Immediately: Billing team must update scheduling and tracking systems to reflect 3-month PA validity periods for all new Health Net prior authorizations. Front desk staff should notify patients that PAs now expire after 3 months instead of 6. Update PA tracking spreadsheets and reminder systems to flag authorizations 2-3 weeks before the 3-month expiration to allow time for renewals. Verify existing extended PAs and note their original expiration dates in patient records.