Humana Expands Electronic Prior Authorizations Nationwide

Humana and athenahealth are expanding electronic prior authorization processing across the United States through the athenaOne network.

Updated on Nov. 3, 2026 in Healthcare

Humana Expands Electronic Prior Authorizations Nationwide

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Humana has expanded its electronic prior authorization collaboration with athenahealth nationwide, connecting with more than 180,000 providers across the athenaOne network. The effort follows a June 2025 commitment by insurers nationwide to reform prior authorization.

Why it matters

Prior authorization requirements have long been a point of friction between insurers and providers, and electronic workflows aim to reduce that burden. The expansion signals how health plans are trying to speed approvals for patients across the country.

Nearly 35,000 electronic prior authorizations were processed by more than 6,000 providers with Humana in September, with over 70% completed without additional staff input. Humana can reach more than 180,000 providers through the athenaOne network.

The players

Humana

Humana is a major U.S. health insurer that offers Medicare Advantage and other health plans to millions of members.

athenahealth

athenahealth is a cloud-based healthcare technology company that provides electronic health record and practice management software to medical practices.

The details

Humana connects with providers through athenaPayer, which links health plans and practices using a common electronic workflow within the athenaOne network. The collaboration is part of Humana's broader strategy to require fewer prior authorizations and simplify the process when they are needed.

June 2025: Insurers nationwide, including Humana, agreed to take steps to reform prior authorization.
September: More than 6,000 providers processed nearly 35,000 electronic prior authorizations with Humana.
November 3, 2026: Humana and athenahealth announced the nationwide expansion of electronic prior authorizations.

Market Landscape

The June 2025 pledge by insurers nationwide to reform prior authorization set the stage for electronic workflow expansions like Humana's. The move positions Humana alongside other health plans trying to digitize approvals as pressure to reduce administrative burden grows.

Patients whose providers use the athenaOne network may see faster prior authorization decisions as electronic workflows replace manual steps. Fewer requests requiring additional information could reduce delays in getting approved care.

The takeaway

Electronic prior authorization is becoming a practical tool for reducing delays in care approvals. Patients and providers should watch whether faster processing reaches their own health plans.