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. To stop this harmful model before it takes effect, Congress must pass the Seniors Deserve SMARTER Care Act (U.S. H.R. 5940).  

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 
• Put patients at risk 

The WISeR Model would further limit access to care by outsourcing decisions to AI and creating a dangerous incentive structure that prioritizes denied services over patients’ needs. Patients should never have to worry about algorithms determining whether they can receive medically necessary care.  

Take action now. 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.