Texas Association for Home Care & Hospice applauds ruling on Medicaid, Medicare fraud

AUSTIN, Texas – The Texas Association for Home Care & Hospice (TAHC&H) reinforced today the importance of fighting Medicaid and Medicare fraud through its support of legislation sponsored by U.S. Representative Kevin Brady of Texas and after the recent sentencing by U.S. District Judge Sam A. Lindsay of Cyprian Akamnonu to 10 years in prison for conspiracy to commit health care fraud. Chairman Brady (R-The Woodlands) filed H.R. 2925 last month to help combat Medicare and Medicaid fraud and abuse.

“The recent sentencing points to the ongoing work necessary to fight fraud and abuse in Medicare and Medicaid. We are pleased Chairman Brady embraces the immediate need to find solutions,” said Rachel Hammon, executive director of TAHC&H. “We support his legislation and will help educate all appropriate parties involved to make the necessary changes our industry needs to fight fraud and abuse.”

“We applaud the sentence by Judge Lindsay of a Dallas-area home health care provider for Medicare fraud. It’s critical that those who would commit fraud understand the serious consequences of such activities. Medicare fraud will not be tolerated in any way,” said Hammon. “With new technology, tools and people involved in the enforcement process, we hope CMS continues to remove the bad actors who do not reflect the ethics and integrity of the home health industry.”

In a letter sent recently to leadership at Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services (CMS), the Department of Justice, and the Office of Inspector General TAHC&H reinforced its offer from 2012 to work with federal regulators to discuss fraud abatement strategies. TAHC&H renewed emphasis on its Integrity One Program with members to promote the highest standards of ethics, integrity and accountability for the industry through member education and informational programs.

During the association’s Annual Meeting last month a task force of leaders in the industry met to discuss additional tactics to highlight and promote home care provider best practices with the object of ending fraud, waste and abuse; and to build upon strategic partnerships with government agencies and other stakeholders committed to improving quality and reducing home care costs in Medicare and Medicaid.

“It’s critical our industry holds its agencies to a high standard and we will continue to support CMS in its effort to protect our Medicare and Medicaid funds from ongoing fraud and abuse schemes,” said Hammon.

The Texas Association for Home Care & Hospice Inc. is a statewide nonprofit trade organization whose mission is to advocate for ethical practices, quality and economic viability of licensed providers of home and community support services in Texas. For more information, visit www.tahch.org.