CVS Health's Aetna unit is broadening its bundled prior-authorization program for cancer treatment, rolling out the change to all cancer types for eligible Medicaid members on September 1, 2026.
The bundled approach merges medical oncology services—covering chemotherapy and immunotherapy—with radiation oncology and associated imaging requirements such as MRI or CT scans into a single request submitted through Aetna's Eviti portal. Previously, providers filed an average of four separate prior-authorization submissions for each member undergoing cancer treatment.
The initial rollout reached approximately 25% of eligible members, according to Aetna.
Providers surveyed by Aetna identified administrative burden as the top challenge facing clinical staff, with 74% naming it their primary concern. Of those, 31% cited prior-authorization management specifically as the largest contributor. About 30% of respondents said they could save more than an hour daily on administrative tasks through technology solutions such as the bundled authorizations.
Eligible states for the Eviti portal include Oklahoma, Illinois, Maryland, New Jersey, Virginia, Florida, Kentucky, and West Virginia.
Aetna plans to extend eligibility to Medicare and Commercial members in the first half of 2027.
"By approving a broader set of treatments and related services upfront, we're removing barriers that can delay care," said Katerina Guerraz, Aetna chief operating officer and president of Medicaid.
Aetna serves approximately 37 million people with health insurance products and related services. CVS Health operated roughly 9,000 retail pharmacy locations and more than 1,000 walk-in and primary care medical clinics as of June 30, 2026.
