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S.J.Res.198 / 119th Congress

A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services of the Department of Health and Human Services relating to "Medicare Program; Implementation of Prior Authorization for Select Services for the Wasteful and Inappropriate Services Reduction (WISeR) Model".

Motion to proceed to consideration of measure rejected in Senate by Yea-Nay Vote. 46 - 50. Record Vote Number: 199.

Official summary

Version 00 · Introduced in Senate · Jun 24, 2026

This joint resolution prohibits the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) from testing a new Medicare payment model in certain states that involves a prior authorization process and the use of enhanced technology by third-party contractors to determine whether certain claims should be paid.

Specifically, the joint resolution nullifies a notice issued by the CMS on July 1, 2025, titled Medicare Program; Implementation of Prior Authorization for Select Services for the Wasteful and Inappropriate Services Reduction (WISeR) Model. (On May 12, 2026, the Government Accountability Office issued a letter of opinion stating that this notice constituted an agency rule and is therefore subject to the Congressional Review Act.)

The CMS selected six states to participate in this model over a six-year period: New Jersey, Ohio, Oklahoma, Texas, Arizona, and Washington. Under the model, contracted companies must process prior authorization requests (i.e., requests for coverage determinations before a service is furnished) for certain services using enhanced technology (e.g., artificial intelligence). Contracted companies are paid based on the share of resulting savings. The CMS aims to test the model's ability to produce accurate results while streamlining the prior authorization process for Medicare claims. The model is based in part on similar processes used for Medicare Advantage claims. 

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CMS began implementing the model on January 1, 2026. This joint resolution prohibits the CMS from continuing to do so.

Read the summary on Congress.gov
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Who introduced it

Sen. Wyden, Ron [D-OR] · D–OR

Committees

  • Finance Committee
21 cosponsorship records, including any withdrawals

Actions

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  1. Motion to proceed to consideration of measure rejected in Senate by Yea-Nay Vote. 46 - 50. Record Vote Number: 199.

    Senate roll call 199 · Individual votes
  2. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 447.

  3. Senate Committee on Finance discharged, by petition, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 802(c).

  4. Senate Committee on Finance discharged, by petition, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 802(c).

  5. Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.

  6. Introduced in Senate

Bill text & related measures

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Related bills identified by Congress.gov

Source last updated: Jul 20, 2026. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.

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Objective

Analyze S.J.Res.198 as objectively as possible. Explain its main provisions, who would be affected, possible benefits and harms, implementation, exceptions, and uncertainties. Present the strongest arguments for and against it, and identify evidence needed to assess its public impact.

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Progressive lens

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Institutions and government scope

Conservative lens

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Individual rights and government power

Liberty lens

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