Online Shaming: A Powerful Tool to Overturn Insurance Denials

Patients and doctors frustrated with prior authorization denials from health insurance companies are turning to social media to publicly shame insurers and advocate for the treatments they need. Prior authorization is a cost-cutting tool used by insurers to control costs, but patients argue that it creates hurdles and delays access to necessary care. Some major insurers are voluntarily revising their prior authorization rules, and states are passing laws to rein in its use. The federal government has proposed reforms, but they would only apply to certain categories of health insurance. Patients and doctors believe that venting online can be an effective strategy, although the success rate is unclear.