Donald Trump and Dr. Mehmet Oz are rolling out a pilot program to fundamentally change Medicare. Under their plan, seniors would need prior authorization for certain services—and the yes/no decision would be made by Artificial Intelligence (AI) instead of people.
If that sounds like “AI Death Panels,” you’re not wrong.
What’s changing
Medicare has always been simpler and more transparent than private insurance. Unlike for-profit insurers—who often force patients and doctors through prior authorization—traditional Medicare typically covers medically necessary care without those hurdles.
The Trump/Oz plan would:
- Add prior authorization to Medicare for a set of procedures (pilot phase).
- Outsource decisions to unproven AI vendors, not just human reviewers.
- Financially reward AI companies for denials, tying their pay to how much care they block.
Bottom line: If an algorithm says “no,” a corporation profits—and you go without doctor-recommended care.
“AI Death Panels”? Here’s why the label fits
Remember when Republicans fear-mongered about “death panels” to attack the Affordable Care Act? That was political theater.
This is real.
Replacing medical judgment with profit-driven clankers is a fast track to dangerous denials—especially for seniors with complex needs.
Where and when this rolls out
The pilot would begin in January, starting with roughly 17 procedures across six states:
- Arizona
- New Jersey
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Texas
- Washington
If the pilot “succeeds” at cutting costs by denying care, it can expand—more procedures, more states, and more seniors going without care.
Why this is a political five-alarm fire
Medicare is one of the most popular programs in U.S. history. Voters do not take kindly to politicians meddling with doctor-patient decisions—especially when corporate AI will be paid to say no to doctors.
That makes this a rare moment when public pressure can force congressional action or, at minimum, raise the political cost for those enabling it.
What you can do (right now!)
1. Email your Members of Congress
Tell them to block AI-driven prior authorization in Medicare and to use the federal budget to restore and protect healthcare funding. Regardless of their political party, every representative needs to hear how important this issue is to the American people.
2. Spread the word
Share this post with family and friends—especially anyone you know in the six pilot states. This change is going to affect them first.
3. Tell your story
Have you struggled with prior authorization or algorithmic denials? If you feel comfortable, please consider sharing your experience with your representatives in Congress, in online forums, and around the dinner table. Stories change minds more than data alone.
Frequently asked questions
Does this affect all of Medicare right away?
Not on day one. It’s a pilot program—but pilots are how sweeping changes get normalized and scaled.
What if my doctor recommends a procedure the AI denies?
That’s the risk: automated denials slow or block doctor-recommended care. Appeals take time many patients don’t have.
Is this about left vs. right?
No. It’s about right vs. wrong. No political party should let corporate algorithms stand between seniors and needed care.
The stakes
Your health decisions shouldn’t be outsourced to a profit-driven algorithm. Stop the AI Death Panels before they start.
About Lenawee Indivisible:
Lenawee Indivisible is a grassroots organization dedicated to defending democracy, protecting voting rights, and holding elected officials accountable—in Lenawee County, MI, and beyond. We believe in informed civic engagement, inclusive communities, and building power through people. Learn how you can get involved.