News

WASHINGTON, D.C. – For years, the House Committee on Energy and Commerce has been committed to cracking down on the practices of pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) that don’t benefit patients. This week, President Trump signed into law these long-awaited and historic reforms for prescription drug middlemen in H.R. 7148, the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2026.

Congressman Brett Guthrie (KY-02), Chairman of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, issued the following statement on the importance of this significant piece of legislation when it comes to lowering costs at the pharmacy counter:

“Over the past few years, this Committee has led on many legislative solutions which work to continue delivering affordable and high-quality health care for the American people and crack down on predatory practices of PBMs. I was pleased to see those solutions signed into law by President Trump,” said Chairman Guthrie. “These policies increase transparency at the pharmacy counter and hold PBMs accountable, which will result in real savings for American patients. I am proud that this Committee has played such a crucial role in shaping a more affordable and transparent health care system. I am grateful to President Trump and my colleagues for their commitment to lowering the cost of care for all American patients.”

The legislation included a myriad of PBM reforms that the Committee has been working on furthering for several years. Included in the package were PBM reforms that:

• Increase transparency and protect American patients and businesses from getting ripped off by questionable drug pricing and rebate manipulation tactics;
• Delink the price of Medicare Part D drugs from a PBM’s compensation, instead paying a flat fee to middlemen and ensuring rebates are passed through to plan sponsors; and
• Safeguard independent pharmacies and seniors’ access to medications by codifying requirements that Medicare Part D plan sponsors contract with any willing pharmacy—not just the pharmacy owned by their insurance conglomerate.

The first policy highlighted in President Trump’s new health care agenda, The Great Healthcare Plan, is a commitment to lowering prescription drug prices.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Bob Latta (OH-05), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Energy, delivered the following opening statement at today’s markup of five bills.

Subcommittee Chairman Latta’s opening statement as prepared for delivery:

“Today the Energy Subcommittee will mark up five bills that will update and enhance programs to help ensure the physical and cyber security of our nation’s electric grid.

“These bills, two of which we have moved through the Committee in past Congresses with strong bi-partisan support, also strengthen the Department of Energy’s ability to carry out its energy emergency functions.

“At our legislative hearing three weeks ago, witnesses emphasized the importance of robust collaboration between industry, states, and the federal government to ensure secure energy systems.

“These bills will strengthen this work by enhancing DOE’s existing energy sector authorities and by providing new tools to ensure fuller industry involvement.

“We consider these bills today against the backdrop of growing threats to our energy systems—including advanced threats from our adversaries.

“As noted in recent hearings, Communist China remains the most active and persistent threat to American critical infrastructure networks. Its proxies have pre-positioned attack capabilities in American infrastructure, to be used during a major crisis or conflict.

“Addressing these and related threats is difficult and can be resource intensive.

“The interconnected nature of our energy systems requires constant intelligence sharing, clear visibility into threat landscapes, and sufficient resources to fill gaps in security protections, particularly for rural and small utility service territories.

“The bills we will consider today take important steps to accomplish this and more.

“H.R. 7305, the Energy Threat Analysis Center Act of 2026, led by the gentlelady from Florida’s fourteenth congressional district and the gentleman from Colorado’s eighth congressional district, authorizes a program that improves information sharing and coordination on threat analyses that impact the power sector.

“A key ingredient of this program involves two-way sharing of information between grid operators and the intelligence community to their mutual benefit: improving the ability to assess risks and threats and then how to act upon that information.

“H.R. 7258, the Energy Emergency Leadership Act, led by the gentlelady from Florida’s fifteenth congressional district and the gentleman from Ohio’s first congressional district, represents long-time bipartisan policy of this Committee to strengthen the ability of DOE to carry out its energy sector security and emergency functions.

“The bill requires the energy emergency and security functions at DOE are led by an Assistant Secretary, confirmed by the Senate. This will ensure the Department has the focused and accountable leadership that will strengthen intergovernmental and energy sector collaboration.

“H.R. 7266, the Rural and Municipal Utility Cybersecurity Act, led by the gentlelady from Iowa’s first congressional district and the gentlelady from Virginia’s fourth congressional district, provides targeted funding and technical assistance so small utilities, electric co-operatives, and public power agencies have the resources to secure their critical electric systems—including systems serving military installations.

“Of course, as we heard during our legislative hearing, States are critical to energy security. They have unique visibility into the interconnected relationships, risks and vulnerabilities related to the energy systems within their borders.

“H.R. 7257, the SECURE Grid Act, which I sponsored with my colleague from California’s seventh congressional district, builds upon the existing State Energy Security Plan framework to expand the visibility of potential threats to local electric distribution and supply chain networks.

“Finally, as the Sector Risk Management Agency for the energy sector, DOE must have visibility over the whole energy sector, which as we heard in the legislative hearing is comprised of increasingly interconnected systems.

“Because of this, DOE actively works not only with the power sector, but also the oil and gas sector to prepare and respond appropriately to emergencies.

“DOE’s technical capabilities and central role in Federal energy coordination make it well positioned to improve the complex layers of communication necessary for energy sector security.

“H.R. 7272, the Pipeline Cybersecurity Preparedness Act, led by the Subcommittee Vice Chairman from Texas’s fourteenth congressional district and the gentlelady from Michigan’s sixth congressional district, does just this.

“It builds on DOE’s leadership to establish a non-regulatory program to improve the coordination and other assistance across the energy sector, states, and the federal government with regard to the security and resilience of pipelines and other facilities that deliver the nation’s oil and gas—and are necessary for reliable energy and power.

“All told, these bills advance the important bipartisan work of this Subcommittee to protect critical energy infrastructure.”

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Bob Latta (OH-05), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Energy, led a markup of five bills.

“Today the Energy Subcommittee marked up five bills that will update and enhance programs to help ensure the physical and cyber security of our nation’s energy infrastructure, including our electric grid,” said Chairman Latta. “These bills, two of which we have moved through the Committee in past Congresses with strong bipartisan support, also strengthen the Department of Energy’s ability to carry out its energy emergency functions.”

Legislative Vote Summary:

• H.R. 7258, Energy Emergency Leadership Act, was forwarded without amendment to the Full Committee by a voice vote.
• H.R. 7266, Rural and Municipal Utility Cybersecurity Act, was forwarded to the Full Committee, as amended, by a voice vote.
• H.R. 7257, Securing Community Upgrades for a Resilient Grid (SECURE Grid) Act, was forwarded without amendment to the Full Committee by a voice vote.
• H.R. 7272, Pipeline Cybersecurity Preparedness Act, was forwarded without amendment to the Full Committee by a voice vote.
• H.R. 7305, Energy Threat Analysis Center Act of 2026, was forwarded without amendment to the Full Committee by a voice vote.

Watch the full markup here.

Below are key excerpts from today’s markup:

Congresswoman Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-01) on H.R. 7266, the Rural and Municipal Utility Cybersecurity Act: “Cyber-attacks targeting critical infrastructure have become more sophisticated and frequent. This bill ensures that rural electric cooperatives and small utilities have access to advanced cybersecurity tools, technical assistance, and grant funding to protect, detect, respond to, and recover from cyber threats. In Iowa’s First District, rural electric cooperatives serve ratepayers across our 20 counties. These cooperatives faced the same sophisticated cyber threats as major metropolitan systems but often lack the resources to defend against them. This bill ensures our local utilities have the tools they need to protect the grid that powers our homes, farms, and small businesses.”

Congressman Randy Weber (TX-14) on H.R. 7272, the Pipeline Cybersecurity Preparedness Act: “H.R. 7272 would improve how the Department of Energy works with others to ensure the security and resilience of pipelines, as well as LNG facilities that our energy sector depends upon for the reliable supply of fuels and electricity. This legislation focuses on the Department of Energy’s vast technical capabilities to develop a program that improves the coordination and technical support needed to ensure timely, efficient, and effective work to secure our energy systems and respond to disruptions.”

Congressman Gabe Evans (CO-08) on H.R. 7305, the Energy Threat Analysis Center Act of 2026: “It’s essential that we reauthorize ETAC. Chinese Communist Party-backed hacker groups like Volt Typhoon and Salt Typhoon have already embedded themselves in networks within critical infrastructure, and they’re operating at times undetected. Small towns and rural areas quite often don’t have the resources and the infrastructure to prevent attacks like this and are left with massive disruptions and costs when an attack occurs. These hackers are lying in wait, ready to disrupt key energy systems that are crucial to daily life, including domestic production and military readiness. The preventative work that ETAC does protects communities and our national security from attacks like these.”

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Richard Hudson (NC-09), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Communications and Technology, led a hearing titled Evaluating FirstNet: Performance, Accountability, and Reauthorization.

“FirstNet’s authorization expires at the beginning of next year, and it is this Committee’s duty to reauthorize the program before it expires,” said Chairman Hudson. “In the process, we should examine FirstNet’s activities since its creation 15 years ago and make any changes necessary to improve its performance. The future of public safety relies on safe resources like FirstNet.”

Watch the full hearing here.

Below are key excerpts from today’s hearing:

Congressman Neal Dunn (FL-02): “When Congress created the First Responder Network Authority, there was a clear mandate to have [a] public safety, preemptive network that would be used exclusively for first responders on the ground. [...] Our nation’s heroes and public servants who are the first to respond and the first people to put their lives on the line to protect Americans need robust communications. It was a very clear mandate to give our local communities the resources they need to respond to tragedies, and what we’ve seen since 2017, when the contract was awarded, has been a tremendous success story. We’ve also learned some lessons. Our job in Congress of enforcement and oversight of the program is critical and that includes contract transparency and maintaining accountability at all levels.”

Congressman Bob Latta (OH-05): “On 9/11, I was driving. I was in the General Assembly in Ohio at the time. And of course, everything just collapsed. You’re trying to use your cell phone to find out what was going on. Everything was down. Everything. [...] For our first responders out there, we worried about that. […] And that’s why with FirstNet, we want to make sure that never, ever occurs again, because we want to make sure for the people that the first responders are out there trying to protect, but also to protect those first responders.”

Congressman Craig Goldman (TX-12): “Can you just take us through, anecdotally, what it was like before FirstNet was created? Any stories you may have? And then the improvements of FirstNet and where we are today?” Sherriff Adkinson: “I mean, obviously, 9/11, the impetus of this. But I can tell you I’ve been through Hurricane Katrina, and there was no ability to talk. When there was so much volume, […] you have everybody trying to call at one time. What happens now with priority and preemption is that those first responders now have access to this network. […] This ensures that our first responders can get out when nobody else can.”

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Brett Guthrie (KY-02), Chairman of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, and Congressman Morgan Griffith (VA-09), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Health, announced a hearing titled Lowering Health Care Costs for All Americans: An Examination of the Prescription Drug Supply Chain.

“This marks the second hearing in our health care affordability series, confirming Republicans’ commitment to meaningfully lowering the cost of care for American families,” said Chairmen Guthrie and Griffith. “After hearing big insurance companies pledge to do more for American patients, we are continuing our commitment to the American people by calling in representatives across the entire prescription drug supply chain—pharmaceutical manufacturers, distributors, and providers—to examine the root drivers of prescription drug costs and ways to keep them both accessible and affordable. We look forward to hearing from the panelists on potential solutions to lower the cost of care for all Americans.”

Subcommittee on Health hearing titled Lowering Health Care Costs for All Americans: An Examination of the Prescription Drug Supply Chain.

WHAT: Subcommittee on Health hearing on exploring the role that the prescription drug supply chain plays in health care affordability.

DATE: Wednesday, February 11, 2026

TIME: 10:15 AM ET

LOCATION: 2123 Rayburn House Office Building

This notice is at the direction of the Chairman. This hearing will be open to the public and press and will be livestreamed at energycommerce.house.gov. If you have any questions about this hearing, please contact Annabelle Huffman with the Committee staff at Annabelle.Huffman@mail.house.gov. If you have any press-related questions, please contact Katie West at Katie.West@mail.house.gov.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Richard Hudson (NC-09), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Communications and Technology, delivered the following opening statement at today’s hearing titled Evaluating FirstNet: Performance, Accountability, and Reauthorization.

Subcommittee Chairman Hudson’s opening statement as prepared for delivery:

“Good morning, and welcome to today’s legislative hearing on the First Responder Network Authority, or FirstNet. FirstNet’s authorization expires at the beginning of next year, and it is this Committee’s duty to reauthorize the program before it expires. In the process, we should examine FirstNet’s activities since its creation 15 years ago and make any changes necessary to improve its performance. The future of public safety relies on safe resources like FirstNet, so thank you all for joining us to ensure our country is taken care of in times of need.

“During the horrific terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, first responders from different agencies found they could not communicate with each other because they used different radio systems, and overloaded networks prevented communications from going through. In the aftermath of these attacks, Congress stood up the 9/11 Commission, which made recommendations to prepare for and guard against future attacks. One of those recommendations led to Congress establishing FirstNet, a nationwide broadband network specifically built for public safety.

“FirstNet was allocated 20 megahertz of spectrum and $7 billion to build out the network in all 50 states and the territories. In 2017, AT&T was selected to deploy this network. Shortly after, FirstNet began providing priority and preemption. During a crisis when there is increased network traffic, non-FirstNet AT&T subscribers will be removed from the priority line to ensure first responders can always make the call. On December 20, 2023, the FirstNet Authority verified the initial nationwide buildout of the network.

“However, the successful buildout of this network does not mean it has not faced challenges. Since 2014, the Department of Commerce Office of Inspector General (OIG) has issued 21 reports regarding significant concerns about FirstNet and the deployment of the nationwide public safety broadband network, its operational responses, and other administrative matters.

“Several of these reports highlight contract oversight shortcomings, resulting in modified buildout objectives that jeopardize first responders’ ability to do their jobs. Other reports indicate a failure of the network to adequately respond to a natural disaster, and that a senior official at FirstNet interfered with the OIG’s investigations and retaliated against whistleblowers who cooperated with the OIG.

“This Committee’s work over the last several months has also identified a consistent and troubling finding: the ambiguous language regarding FirstNet’s independence—while simultaneously placing it directly within an Executive Branch agency—has created confusion and strife for all parties involved when trying to manage this program. To ensure the long-term success of FirstNet, it is imperative there is clear and consistent leadership.

“This leadership must be able to work hand-in-hand with the FirstNet board, not against it. I would like to emphasize that this draft legislation does not, in any way, remove the statutory requirement to have a Board, or their responsibilities to the First Responder Network Authority. The Board is a valuable component of FirstNet and crucial for ensuring the experience and needs of first responders and the general public, not government bureaucracy, are reflected in the direction of the network.

“Additionally, we must ensure that this network can evolve along with the technological landscape. Networks of 15 years ago are different than those of today and could be even more different 15 years from now. For the benefit of first responders, FirstNet should have the statutory flexibility to incorporate new network technologies to provide the most advanced service that public safety requires.

“I want to be clear, FirstNet has succeeded despite the challenges it’s faced, and I would like to commend AT&T for building a nationwide safety communications network, making it a success and continuing to build it out and improve for the safety of others, and being the only ones to take it on. Congress is here to evaluate this program to ensure its long-term success for our first responders. Today is the first step to reauthorize the program.

“With FirstNet’s statutory authority set to expire in 2027, it’s time for Congress to assess FirstNet’s progress and ensure that we provide a governing structure that sets up FirstNet to succeed in the future.

“Today, we will hear from our witnesses who are directly involved with FirstNet about the current state the network, and how the legislation before us will strengthen the First Responder Network Authority.”

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Bob Latta (OH-05), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Energy, led a hearing titled Oversight of FERC: Advancing Affordable and Reliable Energy for All Americans.

“Now, as our nation stands at the precipice of substantial change in the global economy, it is imperative for FERC to remain steadfastly focused on their core mission in order to fuel technological advancements and stabilize the bulk power system to keep the lights on,” said Chairman Latta. “Winning the AI race, reshoring manufacturing jobs, and lowering energy costs are not mutually exclusive. When done properly, research continues to show that the growth of large energy users like data centers and manufacturing facilities can help stabilize the grid and make electricity more affordable.

Watch the full hearing here.

Below are key excerpts from today’s hearing:

Congressman August Pfluger (TX-11): “How is FERC working with states that block pipelines? And how are you balancing the affordability mission when you have states like New York that actually kill pipeline projects?” Chairman Swett: “That is a 100-billion-dollar question. Effectively, under the regime that Congress has created, and the Clean Water Act, states have the ability to veto a project if they do not give a certification, and that is a problem that FERC simply cannot work around. If Congress saw fit to change that, we would be happy and ready to implement any directives.” Mr. Pfluger: “Is it your belief that having those pipelines in the capacity to deliver that natural gas lowers prices?” Chairman Swett: “Well, I think as you very wisely stated at the beginning of your comments, the proof is in the pudding. The fact that areas that don’t have enough gas are paying maybe 300 times what they should, as you said, is unacceptable. That is not a just and reasonable rate for Americans.”

Congressman Troy Balderson (OH-12): “When opponents claim that LNG exports raise domestic prices, they ignore the factors that actually increase natural gas costs for consumers, such as the lack of pipeline capacity during the storm. Regions with pipelines to deliver natural gas had significantly lower prices than areas with constrained capacity. In fact, on January 26, 2026, the Monday after Winter Storm Fern, Northeast winter gas prices were up 2.4 times higher than the Appalachia supply. FERC has taken important actions to address constrained pipeline capacity, like repealing Order 871 and examining cost thresholds for blanket approvals. Can you discuss what other action FERC is considering taking to expedite the construction of needed energy infrastructure projects? And how will these actions help deliver affordable, reliable energy to our constituents?” Chairman Swett: “Thank you for the question. I also am very concerned about Northeast prices, and one thing that was really shocking for me coming out of the storm was that, in the Northeast during Fern, 40 percent of generation came from fuel oil or diesel, and that’s simply because we don’t have enough gas infrastructure to bring gas to New England. So, I fully agree with you. That’s why we are looking to, wholesale across the board, take a hard look at our permitting actions. And when it comes to pipelines in particular, we are trying to streamline our NEPA process.”

Congressman Russell Fry (SC-07): “Chairman Swett, the Seven County [Infrastructure Coalition v. Eagle County] Supreme Court decision was remarkable in a way, because it was won unanimously. So, in a body like ours that oftentimes has several different ways to view any particular issue, when you see a unanimous Supreme Court decision, it kind of raises your eyebrows a little bit. The Court held that courts should—afford substantial deference to an agency as to the scope and contents of an environmental impact statement. How has FERC changed its NEPA practice in response to the Seven County decision? And to piggyback on top of that, what is left to do to come in line with that decision?” Chairman Swett: “Thankfully, the Seven County decision allowed FERC, in my opinion, to realign our emissions analyses with our statutory responsibility as a primarily economic regulator charged with encouraging the development and plentiful supply of natural gas at reasonable prices, per Congress’s instruction. So, what that means, when the rubber hits the road, is now we no longer analyze the indirect emissions from upstream production or downstream combustion.”

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman John Joyce, M.D. (PA-13), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations, delivered the following opening statement at today’s hearing titled Common Schemes, Real Harm: Examining Fraud in Medicare and Medicaid.

Subcommittee Chairman Joyce’s opening statement as prepared for delivery:

“Good morning, and welcome to today’s hearing entitled ‘Common Schemes, Real Harm: Examining Fraud in Medicare and Medicaid.’

“Recent criminal prosecutions and continued allegations of fraud in the State of Minnesota’s Medicaid and other benefits programs have shone a spotlight on how vulnerable these programs are. Americans are outraged. Any amount of waste, fraud, or abuse of resources and taxpayer funds is too much, but it is particularly alarming when it happens on a scale as large as what is being uncovered in Minnesota.

“What’s happening in Minnesota’s Medicaid program is critical and worth discussing, but it is just the tip of the iceberg — Medicare and Medicaid fraud is common, happening nationwide, and has been egregious for decades.

“Some estimates place annual Medicare and Medicaid fraud losses at $100 billion annually. This is only a conservative estimate because fraud can only be accounted for if it is detected.

“The Government Accountability Office placed Medicare on its inaugural ‘high-risk’ list in 1990, and it has remained there ever since. Medicaid also joined Medicare on the ‘high-risk’ list in 2003. The Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General has also sounded the alarm on the unsustainable rates of waste, fraud, and abuse in Medicare and Medicaid.

“Here are just a few examples of some of the fraud schemes we are seeing in these programs:

“In New York, an adult day care owner defrauded Medicaid over $68 million through illegal patient referral kickbacks and bribery schemes.

“In Arizona, a man based in Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates allegedly billed Arizona Medicaid $650 million in a fraud scheme targeting the homeless and Native Americans seeking substance abuse treatment.

“In another case last year, seven defendants across Arizona and Nevada were charged in connection with an alleged $1.1 billion Medicare fraud scheme for medically unnecessary amniotic wound allografts, or skin substitutes.

“Just a few weeks ago, a Florida laboratory owner pleaded guilty to $52 million in medically unnecessary genetic tests billed on behalf of Medicare beneficiaries.

“In all these cases, patients suffer from unnecessary, inadequate, or a complete lack of medical care. In other cases, patients are unknowingly victims of identity theft or misleading marketing practices perpetrated by fraudsters.

“And as highlighted in one of the above examples, nation-states and overseas criminal gangs are also targeting Medicare and Medicaid. Recent criminal indictments and convictions show the trend is getting worse and exemplify the scale of the fraud. It has been said that health care fraud is becoming easier and more lucrative than the illicit drug trade.

“Patients will suffer if these health care programs cannot continue on a responsible fiscal path. It is our duty to protect these programs for our most vulnerable Americans. American taxpayers invest hundreds of billions into Medicare and Medicaid. We must do better to protect these programs from fraud that is draining them of billions of dollars annually.

“We applaud law enforcement efforts that investigate and prosecute fraud, but we can save more money by detecting and preventing fraud before it occurs, rather than paying and chasing funds after they are paid to criminals.

“I want to thank our witnesses for being here today. Your knowledge about this important topic will help us understand the challenge of Medicare and Medicaid program integrity we are facing today. As our witnesses will testify to today, these are real, legitimate fraud schemes.”

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman John Joyce, M.D. (PA-13), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations, led a hearing titled Common Schemes, Real Harm: Examining Fraud in Medicare and Medicaid.

“What’s happening in Minnesota’s Medicaid program is deeply concerning and requires robust Congressional oversight; however, it is just the tip of the iceberg,” said Chairman Joyce. “Medicare and Medicaid fraud has been occurring in communities across the U.S. for decades, diverting necessary resources from patients in need. It is our duty to protect these programs for our most vulnerable Americans.”

Watch the full hearing here.

Below are key excerpts from today's hearing:

Congressman Russ Fulcher (ID-01): “I’m from the state of Idaho—which, sometimes, may not be the first state you think about when there might be fraud, but that is kind of the basis of my question. Have you noticed any trends where states might get targeted or regions might get targeted as a function of potentially them having a lower barrier for entry, or maybe perceived as not being as likely to be audited?” Ms. Gay: “Absolutely. We talk a lot in the industry how [fraud] can be regionally generated. It tends to start in one particular area, and then I don’t know if they’re all hanging out, talking to each other, or how that spreads, but it does tend to start in certain populations and then branch out from there based on controls.” Mr. Fulcher: “What if the bad actor is a foreign actor? How much of that do you see? And if so, what kind of a challenge does that bring to potentially pursuing that fraud, if it’s perpetrated by a foreign actor?” Ms. Wooten: “Certainly, states have seen both fraud cases perpetrated by foreign and by U.S. citizens or people in the U.S., and from our perspective, as being a Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, it makes no difference. We look at allegations, try to identify whether there is something we can do about them? Is the dollar amount something we can pursue? Are we going to be able to get value back for the Medicaid program? Do we have the laws in place to prosecute whatever type of fraud is referred? And we move forward with that investigation.”

Congressman Dan Crenshaw (TX-02): “So what’s the solution here? I mean, some argue stronger oversight would actually threaten access to care, but based on your experience, what actually happens to access when fraud is not controlled? Who bears the brunt of this?” Ms. Gay: “I think there’s certainly the patient-harm attribute you mentioned—you know, not getting the care that you need. […] We dealt with some cases with ACA enrollments, and by the time we verified with CMS that those were eligible recipients, the health plan was already on the hook for $1, $2, $3 million. Were these patients even receiving the care? In some cases, yes. In other cases, they had no idea that they were in a facility for such treatment. […] Now you have somebody that doesn’t even have that challenge, but that is now on their record. And even worse—those that do, that are getting subpar treatment at a very exorbitant rate and still not getting better.”

Congressman Buddy Carter (GA-01): “Auditors found 112 hospice providers operating out of a single physical address. 112...holy cow. As a result, hospice agencies in LA County alone likely overbilled Medicare by $105 million in just one year. […] It looks like it’s a problem in a lot of different places. And that’s why I want to ask you, Ms. Wooten, have you seen instances of copycats where fraudsters see a successful fraud scheme happening in one location, so they try to replicate the same fraud elsewhere?” Ms. Wooten: “Absolutely. We definitely see replicated fraud schemes in hospices; an excellent example. I share your concerns about home health and hospice because I owned a home health agency for many years, and I didn’t even choose to be a hospice because there were specialized agencies that could handle that part, and we would refer to them under the right circumstances. What we now see, though—hospices who are admitting patients who are not terminally ill, patients who don’t know they were put on hospice, patients who maybe aren’t getting treatments that they need, because the hospice philosophy, as you know, is for comfort care, not for treating illnesses. We have seen the same thing in Utah that the hospices have exploded. Now, I’m not saying they’re all fraudulent either, but absolutely; fraudsters learn from fraudsters and it’s an area we have to investigate.”