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.
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.
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''”
Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 431.
The bill is now on the schedule for the full chamber to consider. It's in line for debate and a vote.
Senate Committee on the Judiciary discharged, by petition, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 802(c).
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.
No votes have been recorded for this legislation yet.
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.
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.
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".
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