● Covered by 1 source · 1 reportMedium impact1 negative
Trump Administration's AI-powered Medicare Program Faces Criticism and Legal Questions
Key points
- WISeR program uses AI for Medicare service authorization.
- Reports indicate delays, denials, and patient distress.
- Government Accountability Office found procedural irregularities.
- Lawmakers are seeking more documents and program shutdown.
AI Program for Medicare Authorization
In January, the Trump administration initiated a pilot program named WISeR (Wasteful and Inappropriate Service Reduction) to employ artificial intelligence in authorizing or denying specific medical care for Medicare patients. This program marks a shift from previous Medicare practices, which did not require prior authorization from doctors for such services.
WISeR was implemented in six states: New Jersey, Ohio, Oklahoma, Texas, Arizona, and Washington. The program is intended to operate until the end of 2031, with plans for future expansion.
Reported Issues and Patient Impact
Following the program's rollout, media outlets and federal documents released by the Electronic Frontier Foundation reported numerous issues. These included technical difficulties, extended delays in decision-making and care delivery, and puzzling denials of services. Healthcare providers reported patient suffering due to these delays.
Feedback from healthcare providers included strong negative reactions, with one calling the program "a disgrace to the human race" and observing patients in pain while awaiting care.
Legal and Procedural Concerns
The Government Accountability Office (GAO) determined in May that the Trump administration did not adhere to proper procedures when establishing the WISeR program, raising questions about its legality. Despite these findings, the program continues to operate and has plans for expansion.
Lawmakers have attempted to obtain more information and halt the program. A recent effort by Rep. Suzan DelBene (D-Wash.) to compel the administration to release additional documents was voted down by Republicans.
Program Objectives
The stated goal of WISeR is to utilize AI and machine learning to ensure "appropriate Medicare payment" for selected services. The program aims to benefit taxpayers by reducing "fraud, waste and abuse" within the Medicare system.
✨ This summary was generated by AI from the outlets' reporting listed below. It is not independently verified and may contain errors — check the original sources. How BrevFeed works →
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Reporting from
The Trump administration launched a pilot program called WISeR in January, using AI to authorize or deny Medicare services, leading to reports of delays, denials, and patient suffering. The Government Accountability Office questioned the program's legality, stating proper procedures were not followed during its setup.