The powerful House Appropriations Committee has voted unanimously to add an amendment to its 2027 appropriations bill for the Dept. of Health and Human Services (HHS) that bars the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to spend any money on the so-called WISeR pilot that uses AI for prior authorization in traditional Medicare.

The Wasteful and Inappropriate Services Reduction (WISeR) model, or any other model doing the same task would be banned from receiving funding. The appropriations bill with the amendment must still be considered by the full House.

Lawmakers in the lead on the anti-WISeR amendment include Rep. Robert Aderholt (R-Ala.), Rep. Lois Frankel (D-Fla.), and Rep. Andy Harris (R-Md.). "I think we all agree. Medicare was built on a simple promise that after a lifetime of work Americans should be able to get the healthcare they have earned," Frankel said. "And prior authorization by AI is putting the judgement of doctors and the needs of patients behind."

Comments or questions? Contact Patrick Connole at pconnole@parkplacelive.com.