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".
- Bill Number
- S.J.Res. 198
- Origin Chamber
- Senate
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Health
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-06-24: Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 447.
- Last Updated
- 2026-07-09T21:04:25Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose This joint resolution uses the Congressional Review Act to block a specific rule issued by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) within the Department of Health and Human Services. The rule would have created a prior authorization process for certain Medicare services under the Wasteful and Inappropriate Services Reduction (WISeR) Model.
Key Provisions
- Congress formally disapproves the CMS rule titled “Medicare Program; Implementation of Prior Authorization for Select Services for the Wasteful and Inappropriate Services Reduction (WISeR) Model,” published on July 1, 2025.
- The resolution cites a Government Accountability Office opinion (dated May 12, 2026) that classified the notice as a “rule” under federal law.
- If enacted, the rule would have no legal force or effect.
Significant Changes to Existing Law The resolution applies the Congressional Review Act (chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code) to nullify an agency action that would otherwise take effect. This prevents CMS from moving forward with the planned prior authorization requirements for selected Medicare services.
Potential Impacts
- Government agencies: CMS and the Department of Health and Human Services would be barred from implementing the WISeR Model’s prior authorization framework.
- Citizens: Medicare beneficiaries and healthcare providers would not face the new prior authorization requirements the rule sought to impose.
- No direct effects on international relations are described in the resolution.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Medicare beneficiaries and healthcare providers who would have been subject to the prior authorization process.
- The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services and the Department of Health and Human Services.
- Members of Congress who initiated or supported the disapproval action.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications The measure relies on the Congressional Review Act, a statutory tool that allows Congress to overturn certain agency rules through a joint resolution. This process involves both chambers of Congress and the President, reflecting the division of authority between the legislative and executive branches over administrative actions.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (19)
Sen. Murray, Patty [D-WA], Sen. Cantwell, Maria [D-WA], Sen. Blumenthal, Richard [D-CT], Sen. Gillibrand, Kirsten E. [D-NY], Sen. Gallego, Ruben [D-AZ], Sen. Kelly, Mark [D-AZ], Sen. Booker, Cory A. [D-NJ], Sen. Markey, Edward J. [D-MA], Sen. Duckworth, Tammy [D-IL], Sen. Baldwin, Tammy [D-WI], Sen. Kim, Andy [D-NJ], Sen. Sanders, Bernard [I-VT], Sen. Warren, Elizabeth [D-MA], Sen. Warner, Mark R. [D-VA], Sen. Smith, Tina [D-MN], Sen. Luján, Ben Ray [D-NM], Sen. Merkley, Jeff [D-OR], Sen. Durbin, Richard J. [D-IL], Sen. Shaheen, Jeanne [D-NH]
Recent Actions
- 2026-06-24: Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 447.
- 2026-06-24: Senate Committee on Finance discharged, by petition, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 802(c).
- 2026-06-24: Senate Committee on Finance discharged, by petition, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 802(c).
- 2026-06-24: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
- 2026-06-24: Introduced in Senate
Bill Versions
- 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". — issued 2026-06-24 — PDF (4 pages)