Given a choice, most of us would probably choose to die at home, in the company of loved ones, rather than end our lives in a sterile, modern hospital or other institutional facility.The federal crackdown on healthcare fraud, which is necessary and well-intentioned, has eliminated the option. Under new rules imposed by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, a nationwide six-month moratorium is now in place, blocking approval of any new home health or hospice care.At first glance, that might seem reasonable. Months of investigation into brazen fraud among some sham care providers in Los Angeles County connected to organized crime rings has raised concerns that the system is subject to widespread abuse. The public’s interests must be protected, but any corrective action must be taken deliberately and carefully.
WANT TO WIN THE WAR ON FRAUD? PASS THE REPUBLICAN RECONCILIATION BILL
President Donald Trump ordered Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to take decisive action in the new “war on fraud” he launched in his latest State of the Union address. CMS Administrator Mehmet Oz is now busy decertifying providers whose billing raised serious red flags and is pressuring states to strengthen oversight. This is warranted and should be applauded.
