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Contributor ⭐
Aug 29, 2025 12:16 PM UTC

Medicare Prior Approval Pilot Program?

What is AARP's position on Medicare's soon to be enacted pilot program in six states that would require prior approval for certain medical procedures? 

    3 replies

    SereneSeagull
    Community Champion ⭐⭐⭐
    Aug 29, 2025 4:07 PM UTC

    I believe if it’s what I read, AI driven for determining 

    ~~ Per Jimmy Buffett 🫧🫧 Bubbles Up!
    Conversationalist ⭐⭐⭐
    Aug 29, 2025 7:25 PM UTC

    Yes that is correct and it is for 6 years. The list though of what will require prior authorization at this point in time is pretty short. 

    If you care to grit your teeth (as I know some of chose original medicare rather than an advantage plan because we didn't have to deal with referrals and prior authorizations for most things)

    https://www.cms.gov/priorities/innovation/innovation-models/wiser

     

    https://www.cms.gov/files/document/wiser-fact-sheet.pdf

     

    Affected Services
    The following 17 services will require prior authorization under the WISeR Model: 
     

    https://www.resourcemedicare.com/post/new-medicare-changes-in-2026-prior-approval-required-for-these-17-services

     

    These are the states involved: Arizona, New Jersey, Ohio, Oklahoma, Texas, and Washington

    Contributor ⭐
    Aug 29, 2025 2:15 PM UTC

    Thanks for posting this. I'm very troubled by this proposal and also would like know AARP's position.