HIA’s Brett Meeks discussed a new Senate bill that would require Medicare to test two tools routinely used by credit card companies to prevent fraud. Artificial intelligence (AI)-trained algorithms would detect suspicious activity and a system to quickly alert Medicare patients on whose behalf payment is being sought.
Brett Meeks, executive director of the Health Innovation Alliance, a trade group representing technology companies, insurers, and consumer organizations, objected to requiring Medicare enrollees to verify flagged orders. CMS should internally root out fraud through technology, not burden seniors, Meeks told Medscape Medical News.
Meeks said he has been following the discussion about the use of AI in addressing Medicare fraud. Had a bill broadly targeted Medicare fraud through AI, his alliance might have backed it, he said. But the current proposed legislation has a narrower focus.
Focusing on durable medical equipment, for example, could have unintended consequences like denying power wheelchairs to people with debilitating conditions like multiple sclerosis, Meeks said.