In January, the Trump administration launched a pilot program using AI to authorize or deny care for Medicare patients, a program that previously didn't require prior authorization. Media reports soon highlighted technical difficulties, delays, and patient suffering, which were confirmed by documents released by the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF). One provider called the program "a disgrace to the human race."

Lawmakers have sought to halt the program, and the Government Accountability Office found in May that proper procedures were not followed, questioning its legality. Despite this, the program, called WISe R (Wasteful and Inappropriate Service Reduction), continues and plans to expand. Rep. Suzan Del Bene (D-Wash.) tried to force release of more documents, but Republicans voted against it, with Del Bene stating that Americans would be outraged if they knew more.

WISe R rolled out in six states—New Jersey, Ohio, Oklahoma, Texas, Arizona, and Washington—and runs until 2031. It requires prior authorization for services like nerve stimulation and epidural injections. The rollout was rushed, with vendor Innovaccer initially auto-approving requests to avoid backlogs, while Zyter had data discrepancies between Medicare Part A and B coverage. Zyter's CEO, Sundar Subramanian, says the company is now fully functional.

Vendors have an "incentive to deny as many claims as possible," according to reports, and the program has seen more denials than approvals, raising concerns about senior care.