What CMS’ 2027 AI rule means for prior authorization (and maybe for fax machines)
Published:
August 13, 2026
The January 1, 2027 implementation deadline for CMS-0057-F compliance is fast approaching. To meet the rule’s final interoperability requirements, health plans have been moving away from outdated manual processes and adopting electronic prior authorization (PA) systems. Beyond baseline compliance, the rule presents a real market opportunity for forward-thinking plans to responsibly deploy AI, reduce provider burden, and accelerate patient access to the care they need.
The continued shift to electronic PA raises important questions, including how it will impact physicians, address technology skepticism, and ensure seamless adoption by health plans. In an interview with Medical Economics, Dr. Brian Covino, chief medical officer for Cohere Health, offers insights into these changes and how they’re reshaping healthcare operations.
Key points discussed:
- The operational and administrative implications of transitioning to standardized electronic prior authorization
- How streamlining prior authorization benefits both patients and providers
Written by
Cohere
Health
Cohere Health’s clinical intelligence and operations platform and agentic AI-powered solutions connect health plans’ strategic goals and providers’ needs, optimizing the speed, cost, and quality of care. With an enterprise approach that streamlines payer-provider decision-making across the care continuum–including policy, prior authorization, payment accuracy, and more–the company improves collaboration and reduces burden, resulting in up to 9x ROI and 94% provider satisfaction. Cohere Health is recognized on TIME’s World’s Top HealthTech Companies 2025 list, on the 2025 Inc. 5000 list, and by numerous industry analysts.
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