Medicare is launching a new pilot program that will require prior approval for 17 health services using artificial intelligence tools.

CMS will end health equity and social drivers of health reporting requirements for its end-stage renal disease quality reporting and incentive programs on Dec. 31. CMS administers the End-Stage Renal Disease Quality Reporting System and the ESRD Quality Incentive Program to monitor care quality for patients with kidney failure at dialysis facilities.

On Friday, December 19, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced two new pilot programs aimed at reducing Medicare spending on prescription drugs and reducing beneficiaries’ out-of-pocket costs.

Some of 2026 changes have prompted significant concern, and experts have warned millions will lose access to health care coverage.

The U.S. government on Friday announced pilot programs to start in 2026 and 2027 that are aimed at reducing out-of-pocket drug costs under the Medicare healthcare program for older and disabled Americans to prices on par with economically comparable countries.