American Association for Homecare Endorses New U.S. Senate Bill, the 'Prevent Health Care Fraud Act of 2009'

/PRNewswire/ -- The American Association for Homecare endorses the new "Prevent Health Care Fraud Act of 2009," S. 2128, which is designed to substantially improve tools and resources available to prevent fraud in Medicare. The bill was introduced by Sen. George LeMieux (R-Fla.).

The LeMieux bill contains several provisions the American Association for Homecare outlined in its 13-point anti-fraud action plan, which the Association proposed to Congress in February. Those provisions include calling for real-time audits and screens to catch fraudulent claims, more site inspections to ensure that Medicare allows only legitimate home medical equipment providers to file reimbursement claims, and a dedicated office at the federal government level to combat Medicare fraud. The Association has also recommended that more funding be made available to federal fraud fighters. See the Association's full 13-point plan at www.aahomecare.org/stopfraud.

"This association has been on record for a long time in support of new measures designed to root out fraudulent activity within Medicare," said Tyler J. Wilson, president of the American Association for Homecare. "That's why we are very pleased that Sen. LeMieux and the cosponsors on his bill have demonstrated leadership in proposing an aggressive, proactive approach to stopping fraud. The current pay-and-chase system is not effective."

Wilson said he hopes that Congress will incorporate the Association's entire 13-point plan into the LeMieux legislation. The American Association for Homecare will continue to work with key congressional committees and members of Congress to find ways to curtail criminal activity within Medicare and at the same time preserve the ability of legitimate home medical equipment providers to serve Medicare beneficiaries.

The American Association for Homecare represents providers of durable medical equipment and services, manufacturers, and other organizations in the homecare community. Members serve the medical needs of millions of Americans who require oxygen equipment and therapy, mobility assistive technologies, medical supplies, inhalation drug therapy, and other medical equipment and services in their homes. Medicare reimbursement rates for durable medical equipment have been cut dramatically three times over the past six years, on top of a freeze on CPI increases during the same period. The Association's members operate more than 3,000 homecare locations in all 50 states. Visit www.aahomecare.org/athome.

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