Aetna, a CVS Health (NYSE: CVS) company, has expanded its bundled prior authorization program to cover all cancer types for eligible Medicaid members, effective September 1, according to a company statement. A full rollout across all lines of business is planned for 2027.

The expansion covers Medicaid members whose providers use the Eviti portal in Oklahoma, Illinois, Maryland, New Jersey, Virginia, Florida, Kentucky, and West Virginia. Aetna said nearly 25% of eligible members have already received a bundled prior authorization under the program.

Previously, Aetna data showed providers were submitting an average of four separate prior authorizations per cancer patient. The bundled approach consolidates medical oncology services — including chemotherapy and immunotherapy where applicable — radiation oncology, and associated imaging such as MRI and CT scans into a single request through one portal.

"A cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming for patients and families, and the care team should be focused on their patient, not paperwork," said Katerina Guerraz, Aetna Chief Operating Officer and President of Medicaid. "By approving a broader set of treatments and related services upfront, we're removing barriers that can delay care."

According to Aetna's own provider survey, 74% of providers identified administrative burden as the top challenge facing clinical staff, with 31% citing prior authorization management as the single largest contributor. Thirty percent of survey respondents said they could save more than an hour daily on administrative tasks through solutions such as bundling, and 80% expected to save more than 30 minutes.

Aetna said it plans to extend eligibility to Medicare and commercial members in the first half of 2027.