Top Health Dem Seeks to Block AI Prior Authorization in Medicare

May 14, 2026, 8:26 PM UTC

An influential House Democrat is eyeing a congressional procedure to block a Trump administration pilot program implementing prior authorization protocols using artificial intelligence in traditional Medicare.

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services started testing the new initiative in January in six states for certain services in Medicare. But Rep. Suzan DelBene (D-Wash.), chair of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, has been outspoken about constituents’ objections. The lawmaker has sought to block the model through standalone legislation and the appropriations process.

“On a program that supposedly is supposed to be saving us money, it’s costing us more,” she said. “We’ve ...

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