1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Improving Seniors’ Timely Access to Care Act of 2019 . 2. Sense of Congress It is the sense of Congress that— (1) use of prior authorization should be streamlined through electronic transmissions for coverage of covered services for individuals enrolled in federally funded programs such as Medicare, Medicaid, and federally contracted managed care plans to improve patient access to medically appropriate services and reduce administrative burden through automation informed by clinical decision support; (2) there should be increased transparency for beneficiaries and providers and increased oversight by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services on the processes used for prior authorization; and (3) prior authorization is a tool that can be used to responsibly prevent unnecessary care and promote safe and evidence-based care. 3. Establishing requirements with respect to the use of prior authorization under Medicare Advantage plans (a) In general Section 1852 of the Social Security Act ( 42 U.S.C. 1395w–22 ) is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection: (o) Prior authorization requirements (1) In general In the case of a Medicare Advantage plan that imposes any prior authorization requirement with respect to any benefit, such plan shall, beginning with the first plan year beginning on or after the date of the enactment of this subsection— (A) comply with the prohibition described in paragraph (2); (B) establish the electronic prior authorization program described in paragraph (3); (C) meet the transparency requirements specified in paragraph (4)