A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services of the Department of Health and Human Services relating to "Medicare Program; Implementation of Prior Authorization for Select Services for the Wasteful and Inappropriate Services Reduction (WISeR) Model".
Sen. Wyden Introduces Resolution to Block Medicare Rule Requiring Prior Approval for Medical Services
This bill was recently introduced in the Senate and is currently being reviewed by the Committee on the Judiciary. It is in the early stages of the legislative process and has no upcoming votes scheduled. The bill is considered active as it waits for the committee to decide on its next steps.
Legislative Progress
It is very hard to pass these types of resolutions because they usually require a signature from the White House to cancel a rule their own administration created.
Key Points
Impact Analysis
Personal Impact
Programs
If this resolution passes, Medicare beneficiaries would not face new prior authorization requirements for certain medical services. Prior authorization can delay care by requiring doctors to get approval before performing tests or treatments. Blocking the WISeR rule would preserve quicker access to these services. However, the WISeR rule was designed to reduce unnecessary or wasteful procedures, so blocking it also means some seniors may continue receiving care that provides little medical benefit.
“Congress disapproves the rule submitted by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services of the Department of Health and Human Services relating to ``Medicare Program; Implementation of Prior Authorization for Select Services for the Wasteful and Inappropriate Services Reduction (WISeR) Model''”
Disabilities
Milestones
Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
Sent to a congressional committee for expert review. The committee decides whether this bill moves forward.
Introduced in Senate
The bill was officially filed and given a number. It now enters the legislative queue.
Votes
No votes have been recorded for this legislation yet.
Related News
2 articlesMedicare WISeR prior authorizations needed Congress' prior authorization, lawmakers say
Lawmakers led by Reps. Greg Landsman and Suzan DelBene introduced a Congressional Review Act resolution to nullify the WISeR Model. The resolution follows a GAO ruling that the AI-driven prior authorization pilot should have been submitted for congressional review before implementation. Proponents argue the model roots out waste, while critics cite significant care delays.
Democrats move to overturn Medicare AI prior authorization pilot
House and Senate Democrats introduced resolutions to repeal the WISeR model, an AI-assisted prior authorization initiative under traditional Medicare. The effort follows a May 12 determination from the GAO that the program is subject to the Congressional Review Act. The model has faced intense criticism from provider groups for delaying patient treatments.
Source Information
Document Type
Congressional Bill
Official Title
A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services of the Department of Health and Human Services relating to "Medicare Program; Implementation of Prior Authorization for Select Services for the Wasteful and Inappropriate Services Reduction (WISeR) Model".
Data Sources
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Cosponsors
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