AAHomecare: Medicare anti-fraud measures are way overdue

The American Association for Homecare has issued a statement showing its support for the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services' latest efforts to crack down on Medicare fraud. The association said it continues to work with federal agencies and Congress to prevent fraudulent activity in the durable medical equipment (DME) sector. "At the same time, it's important to note that Medicare has failed to effectively exercise its already ample authority to combat fraud and abuse. It is time for CMS to shine a spotlight on its own processes with respect to its ability to ensure the integrity of Medicare."

In a separate, but related development, federal officials in Los Angeles announced a nationwide effort to combat fraudulent Medicare billing by medical equipment suppliers in 70 urban areas. Such fraud in the federal healthcare program for the elderly has increased in recent years, particularly in the urban areas of southern California and south Florida. In L.A. county alone, home to nearly 5,000 suppliers, Medicare investigators have uncovered $300 million in potentially fraudulent billing during the last two years.

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