The US has restricted the use of AI to make health insurance decisions

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The US agency Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has issued clarification that artificial intelligence algorithms cannot be used by insurance companies to deny medical services under the government's Medicare programme.

Here's What We Know

According to CMS, AI systems that rely on general data rather than a specific patient's medical history are not in compliance with Medicare regulations. In doing so, the agency responded to several recent lawsuits against insurance companies accused of improperly denying treatment based on AI algorithms.

CMS also expressed concern that such algorithms could exacerbate discrimination against patients. According to the clarification, AI systems cannot be used to change Medicare coverage criteria because it is against the law.

It remains to be seen whether the new CMS rules will affect lawsuits already filed against companies such as UnitedHealthcare and Humana.

Source: The Register