STAT+: GOP blocks effort to end Medicare test of AI prior authorization

STAT PlusBreaking News GOP blocks effort to end Medicare test of AI prior authorization Many Republicans want to rein in prior authorization in Medicare Advantage, but they were not on board with this Democrat-led bill Manage alerts for this article Email this article Share this article By John WilkersonJuly 16, 2026 John Wilkerson, a Washington correspondent, is the author of D.C. Diagnosis, a twice-weekly newsletter about the politics and policy of health and medicine. John Wilkerson[email protected]John writes about the politics of health care, and he is the author of the twice-weekly D.C. Diagnosis newsletter. You can reach John on Signal at John_Wilkerson.07. WASHINGTON — A Senate vote to halt a Medicare pilot that uses artificial intelligence to approve or deny care failed along party lines on Thursday. Republicans voted to block consideration of a Democratic-led measure, which would have stopped the Trump administration from employing prior authorization in original Medicare, where the practice is rarely allowed. The vote was 46 to 50.Advertisement The White House had pushed back against the Democratic bill. Medicare officials gave a handout to lawmakers’ offices on Tuesday outlining what they say are the benefits of the test, known as WISeR. STAT+ Exclusive Story Already have an account? Log in This article is exclusive to STAT+ subscribers Unlock this article — plus in-depth analysis, newsletters, premium events, and news alerts. Already have an account? Log in Monthly $39 Totals $468 per year $39/month Get Started Totals $468 per year Starter $30 for 3 months, then $399/year $30 for 3 months Get Started Then $399/year Annual $399 Save 15% $399/year Get Started Save 15% 11+ Users Custom Savings start at 25%! Request A Quote Request A Quote Savings start at 25%! 2-10 Users $300 Annually per user $300/year Get Started $300 Annually per user View All Plans To read the rest of this story subscribe to STAT+. Subscribe Log In Artificial intelligence, CMS, Congress, health tech, medicare advantage, Policy, STAT+ Submit a correction requestReprints John Wilkerson Washington Correspondent John writes about the politics of health care, and he is the author of the twice-weekly D.C. Diagnosis newsletter. You can reach John on Signal at John_Wilkerson.07. Newsletter The latest updates in federal health agencies, research institutes, and U.S. policy Recommended Health July 15, 2026 Cassidy grills Trump nominee on past vaccine comments in heated exchange Exclusive July 14, 2026 STAT Plus: Top Democrats question RFK Jr.’s health care advisory panel Advertisement Business July 14, 2026 STAT Plus: Hospital chain HCA warns of lower profits as more patients go uninsured Exclusive July 10, 2026 Nominee for key federal health role has a history of questioning vaccines Pharma July 8, 2026 STAT Plus: White House reviewing top contenders to lead FDA Subscriber Picks