Beginning January 1, 2026, the Wasteful and Inappropriate Service Reduction (WISeR) Model would force traditional Medicare patients in six states to undergo new, artificial intelligence (AI)-driven prior authorization, run by private companies paid more when they deny care.
Prior authorization already harms patients. Nearly one-third of physicians report that it has caused a serious adverse event. Expanding this system into traditional Medicare will delay treatment, increase administrative burden, and put patients at risk.
To stop this harmful model before it takes effect, Congress must pass the Seniors Deserve SMARTER Care Act (U.S. H.R. 5940).
The SMARTER Care Act:
1] specifically states that the Secretary of Health and Human Services cannot implement the WISeR model or any similar model that focuses on prior authorization for services.
2] emphasizes the importance of ensuring that seniors have timely access to necessary medical care without additional layers of approval that might hinder their recovery process.
Urge your members of Congress to cosponsor and support the SMARTER Care Act (H.R. 5940) to protect timely, physician-led care for all patients.
ACTION: Contact your members of Congress to voice opposition to the WISeR model of Medicare and to support the SMARTER Care Act.
https://www.votervoice.net/mobile/ZOTEC/Campaigns/131426/Respond
BACKGROUND:
Pro/Neutral: https://www.dwt.com/insights/2025/07/cms-launches-wiser-model-to-curb-medicare-overuse
Con: https://healthcareuncovered.substack.com/p/big-deal-lawmakers-sound-the-alarm
Into the con weeds: https://osteopathic.org/index.php?aam-media=/wp-content/uploads/RRC-Coalition-Comments-on-WISeR-Demonstration-8.12.2025.pdf
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