Several weeks ago, I wrote you about Medicare’s “WISeR” initiative – Wasteful and Inappropriate Service Reduction. Six States have been chosen to pilot this program, which for the first time will require health professionals to obtain pre-authorization for certain medical procedures before Medicare will agree to cover these services. New Jersey has been chosen as one of the 6 States that will “participate”!
Never before in the 60 year history of the traditional Medicare program has pre-authorization been required before a physician may order a therapeutic intervention. AI software will be utilized in screening those procedures that will require further scrutiny, and the company that has designed the software will receive a share of the savings obtained through payment denials. Not only will this project create more administrative bloat, it is an intrusion into the practice of medicine that will adversely affect physician morale and further disrupt the Dr.- Patient relationship.
I urge all to call and write Senators Booker, Kim, and your respective Congressional Representatives, asking them to put a stop to this pilot project. Call the switchboard at the US Capitol at 202-224-3121, then you will be routed to the appropriate office. All Congressional Reps. have websites allowing constituents to leave a message.
It is urgent that you take action as soon as possible to prevent this pilot program from becoming law! Without our coordinated opposition, this program, with potentially disastrous consequences, will go forward.
Thank you!
General Membership Meeting
Have you marked your calendar? Our Fall General Membership Meeting will be Saturday morning, November 15, beginning at 10:30 AM, virtually over Zoom. Our keynote speaker will be Rose Roach, the National Coordinator of the Labor Campaign for Single Payer. Everyone with an interest in universal healthcare are welcome to join! Register on our website – universalhealthcarenj.org. We look forward to seeing you online!