WISeR care program continues despite delays and questions over its legality
Patients have reportedly waited in pain, while oversight and lawmakers’ efforts have yet to change the program’s course.
The federal WISeR program is continuing despite reports of technical problems, slow decisions and patients waiting in pain. Documents obtained amid litigation and released by the Electronic Frontier Foundation supported accounts of puzzling denials and provider concerns. One clinician reported that patients were in tears from pain while awaiting care. In May, the Government Accountability Office found that officials had not followed proper procedures when setting up the program, putting its legality in doubt. Lawmakers are seeking answers and trying to stop it, but expansion is planned for the coming years.
Why it matters
Patients and providers are left dealing with a program that remains in operation even as its process and legal footing are challenged. With expansion planned, the unresolved problems may affect more people; lawmakers’ efforts have not yet stopped it.
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