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SJRES 198

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".

119th Congress Introduced by Tammy Baldwin and 18 co-sponsors

SJRES 198 would use a congressional disapproval process to block CMS’s WISeR model rule requiring prior authorization for certain Medicare services.

Introduced in Senate
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SJRES 198

Overview

SJRES 198 is a joint resolution introduced in the 119th Congress that would disapprove a specific Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) rule under the congressional disapproval process set forth in chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code. The rule in question relates to Medicare Program and the implementation of Prior Authorization for Select Services under the Wasteful and Inappropriate Services Reduction (WISeR) Model. If enacted, the joint resolution would block or overturn CMS’s rule.

Main purpose and intent

  • To use the congressional disapproval process to overturn CMS’s rule implementing prior authorization for select Medicare services as part of the WISeR initiative.
  • To nullify or suspend the effect of the CMS rule upon enactment of the joint resolution, preventing the rule from taking effect or reversing its implementation.

Key provisions and changes

  • The bill would provide for congressional disapproval of the CMS rule under the requirements of 5 U.S.C. chapter 8 (the joint disapproval procedure). This typically entails:
    • A joint resolution of disapproval introduced in Congress.
    • If enacted (passed by both chambers and signed by the President, or through a veto override), the CMS rule would be repealed or not take effect as proposed.
  • The resolution does not by itself replace the rule with an alternative policy; it terminates the rule’s effect as issued by CMS.

Affected parties and scope

  • Federal: The rule issued by CMS related to the WISeR model and prior authorization for certain Medicare services would be struck down or halted.
  • Beneficiaries/Providers: Medicare beneficiaries who would have been affected by the prior authorization requirements and the WISeR model, as well as Medicare providers subject to the new prior authorization processes, could be impacted by the disapproval (i.e., the rule would not go into effect).
  • Administrative/Regulatory: CMS and the broader Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) would be affected in that the specific rule would not be implemented.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • The action history indicates:
    • Introduction in the Senate.
    • Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance; the Senate Finance Committee discharged by petition under 5 U.S.C. 802(c).
    • Placement on the Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders (Calendar No. 446) on June 24, 2026.
  • Under the 5 U.S.C. Chapter 8 disapproval process, passage requires separation from standard statutory rulemaking timelines and would require concurrent passage in both chambers and presidential consideration (subject to veto). The expected timeline would depend on Senate floor action, House action (if applicable for comparable resolution), and any potential presidential action.

Notable context

  • The bill’s sponsors include a broad slate of Democratic Senators, indicating a partisan approach to disapproval of the CMS WISeR prior authorization rule.
  • The WISeR model and prior authorization are part of CMS’s efforts to curb wasteful and inappropriate services in Medicare, so the disapproval would pause or negate those cost-control measures.

Summary

SJRES 198 seeks to use the congressional disapproval mechanism to overturn CMS’s rule implementing prior authorization for certain Medicare services under the WISeR model. If enacted, the rule would not take effect, and CMS would be barred from implementing that specific prior authorization framework, at least to the extent of the disapproved rule. The measure moves through the Senate Finance Committee and onto the legislative calendar, with the standard requirements for passage in both chambers and potential presidential approval or veto considerations.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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