Braun
U.S. Senators Mike Braun (R-Ind.) and Bill Cassidy (R-La.) have introduced legislation to create an algorithm-based pilot period of oversight at the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) targeted at the irregular billing activity of certain products for the 5 percent of beneficiaries who already receive electronic notices.
Representative David Schweikert (R-Ariz.) introduced the companion legislation in the House of Representatives.
Medicare loses approximately $60 billion annually due to fraud, errors, and abuse involving both predatory healthcare professionals and anonymous organized criminals. These individuals charge Medicare beneficiaries for unapproved diagnostic tests and fraudulently bill them for wheelchairs, braces, and other Durable Medical Equipment products in order to obtain Medicare reimbursements.
“An annual loss of $60 billion is unacceptable,” Sen. Braun said. “It’s time for CMS to strengthen their fraud detection process in order to stop the hemorrhaging of the Medicare trust fund.”