Medicare AI Prior Authorization Pilot Faces High Denials and Delays

A Medicare pilot program utilizing AI for prior authorization has reportedly led to significant care denials, extended delays, and technical issues since its January launch. Records obtained via a FOIA lawsuit indicate one vendor denied more requests than it approved in the initial three months, necessitating corrective action. Some patients experienced over 80-day delays, causing pain due to postponed procedures, despite a stated 72-hour response target.