Preventing Medicare Telefraud Act

Bill 118 hr 1746, also known as the Preventing Medicare Telefraud Act, aims to address the issue of fraudulent activity targeting Medicare beneficiaries through telecommunication methods. The bill was introduced in the House of Representatives on March 13, 2019, by Representative Peter Roskam.

The main purpose of this legislation is to enhance the ability of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to prevent and combat fraudulent schemes that target Medicare beneficiaries through phone calls, emails, and other forms of telecommunication. The bill seeks to improve coordination between CMS and law enforcement agencies to identify and prosecute individuals and organizations engaged in telefraud.

Specifically, the Preventing Medicare Telefraud Act requires CMS to establish a pilot program to test innovative technologies and strategies for detecting and preventing telefraud. The bill also directs CMS to provide training and resources to Medicare beneficiaries to help them recognize and report fraudulent activity. Additionally, the legislation includes provisions to increase penalties for individuals found guilty of telefraud targeting Medicare beneficiaries. It also requires CMS to report to Congress on the effectiveness of the pilot program and any recommendations for further action. Overall, the Preventing Medicare Telefraud Act seeks to protect Medicare beneficiaries from falling victim to fraudulent schemes conducted through telecommunication methods and strengthen efforts to combat telefraud within the Medicare program.