GA SB602

Requires insurers to respond to prior authorization requests within 48 hours (reduced from 7 calendar days) and urgent care requests within 24 hours (reduced from 72 hours)

Exempts healthcare providers from prior authorization requirements for a specific service if the insurer approved at least 80% of that provider's requests for that service in the prior 12 months

Extends prior authorization validity to one year from the date of approval (increased from 45 business days) and requires new insurers to honor prior authorizations for at least 90 days (increased from 30 days)

Prohibits insurers from retroactively denying coverage for services that received prior authorization and allows providers to submit retroactive authorization requests within 10 days of rendering service

Eliminates prior authorization requirements for emergency services, urgent care, medically necessary incidental services, and opioid use disorder medications; effective January 1, 2027