# Penguin AI survey finds 62% give up care after prior‑auth delays

> A November 2026 survey of 500 U.S. adults shows most patients abandon treatment after insurance prior‑authorization hurdles.

Oossa · 2026-11-12 · https://oossa.com/en/penguin-ai-survey-finds-62-give-up-care-after-prior-auth-delays

Penguin AI says its November 2026 survey of 500 U.S. adults found that 62% of respondents who faced a prior‑authorization delay, denial, or medication restriction stopped pursuing care because fighting the insurer wasn’t worth it. Overall, 48% of all respondents said they had given up on care. Only 44% appealed a decision, and of those, 47% won. The survey also shows that 87% would back AI tools that speed up approvals, but most want a human to oversee the final decision.

## The facts

- 62% of respondents who experienced a delay or denial gave up on care (Penguin AI survey, 500 adults).
- 44% of respondents appealed; 47% of appeals were successful.

## Why it matters

Patients may skip needed treatment, so insurers and providers could reduce drop‑offs by using AI‑assisted prior‑auth processes with human oversight.

## Sources & references

1. [Six in 10 Patients and Caregivers Facing Prior Authorization Delays or Denials Have Given Up on Care, Penguin Ai Survey Finds](https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/six-in-10-patients-and-caregivers-facing-prior-authorization-delays-or-denials-have-given-up-on-care-penguin-ai-survey-finds-302937233.html) – PR Newswire RSS, 2026-11-12

Last updated: 2026-11-12