Starting January 2026, Arizona is part of the WISeR model - a CMS pilot program requiring prior authorization for 17 specific Medicare services, including certain spinal procedures, nerve stimulation devices, and knee arthroscopy. The pilot runs through December 2031.

If your provider submits a prior authorization request and it is approved, Medicare covers the service normally. A Medigap plan still protects your share of cost once care is approved. Innovative Plan G - a new plan type available only in the six pilot states - is also worth asking about.