A Republican bill with no cosponsors
Last activity — Ordered to be Reported in the Nature of a Substitute by the Yeas and Nays: 27 - 16.
Introduced, nothing more yet
Formally proposed, and not yet handed to a committee.
Nearly every bill is sent to a committee within days. Introduction alone is not a sign of support, of momentum, or of any likelihood of passing — any member may introduce any bill.
Its path through Congress
- Introduced
What this bill would do
The "Protecting Seniors and Stopping Fraudsters Act" aims to increase oversight of hospice programs and home health agencies within the Medicare program. It implements more frequent surveys for newly enrolled or high-risk entities and increases payment penalties for failing to submit quality data. The bill also strengthens enrollment screening requirements, including potential fingerprinting and insurance evidence for high-risk applicants. Additionally, it mandates written notices for hospice election revocations and establishes new standards for accreditation organizations. Finally, it requires annual reports to Congress regarding program integrity activities.
Yes· 3 of 7
- Scored +5
Does this put more money into Medicare, the health coverage for people over 65?
The bill directs specific transfers to fund increased oversight and administrative processes within Medicare.
- Scored +5
Would people over 65 be better off under this?
The bill protects seniors by increasing oversight of hospice and home health agencies to prevent fraud.
- Scored +5
Would retired people be better off under this?
Increased program integrity helps protect the funds and services available to Medicare beneficiaries.
The opposite
- Scored -5
Would business owners be better off under this?
Health care providers face increased survey frequencies and significant financial penalties for not submitting quality data.
- Scored -4
Does this make it easier to run a small business?
The bill increases the administrative and regulatory burden on hospice and home health agencies through more frequent surveys.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Increased Oversight of High-Risk Entities: The bill mandates more frequent surveys for hospice programs and home health agencies that are newly enrolled, have changed ownership, or display aberrant behavior, which may help prevent fraud (Section 3 and Section 4).
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Enhanced Enrollment Screening: For entities at extreme risk of fraud, the bill requires additional steps such as fingerprinting administrators and medical directors, as well as providing evidence of comprehensive liability insurance (Section 5).
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Improved Information for Seniors: The bill requires that individuals receive written notice within 15 days of a hospice election, including plain language descriptions of their rights and instructions on how to change or revoke the election (Section 8).
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Higher Standards for Accreditation: National accreditation bodies must meet higher standards and ensure surveyors complete relevant training, which may improve the quality of oversight (Section 6).
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Transparency through Reporting: The Secretary must report annually to Congress on the outcomes of program integrity activities, including trends and enforcement actions (Section 9).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
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Increased Financial Penalties for Quality Data: Hospice programs and home health agencies face a significant increase in payment reductions (up to 15 percentage points) if they fail to submit required quality data (Section 3 and Section 4).
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Increased Administrative Requirements for Agencies: Certain agencies and programs will be subject to more frequent surveys, which could increase the regulatory burden (Section 3 and Section 4).
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Increased Costs for Notices: The bill authorizes the transfer of $6,000,000 each fiscal year to cover the costs of providing written election notices to individuals (Section 8).
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Increased Costs for Oversight Activities: The bill transfers $100,000,000 for fiscal year 2026 to fund increased survey frequencies for hospice and home health agencies (Section 10).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Tap or hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Healthcare
- Does this put more money into Medicare, the health coverage for people over 65? — The bill directs specific transfers to fund increased oversight and administrative processes within Medicare. Does this make health care easier to get in general? — Enhanced oversight and stricter enrollment may help ensure the quality and integrity of care services.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would retired people be better off under this? — Increased program integrity helps protect the funds and services available to Medicare beneficiaries. Would people over 65 be better off under this? — The bill protects seniors by increasing oversight of hospice and home health agencies to prevent fraud. Would business owners be better off under this? — Health care providers face increased survey frequencies and significant financial penalties for not submitting quality data.
- Governance And Ideology
- Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see? — The bill mandates annual reports to Congress regarding program integrity and enforcement actions.
- Social Issues And Justice
- Does this strengthen Social Security? — The bill strengthens the integrity of the Medicare program through enhanced provider screening and oversight.
- Economy And Finance
- Does this reduce what the federal government spends? — The bill increases oversight and penalties to prevent fraud in Medicare payments. Does this make it easier to run a small business? — The bill increases the administrative and regulatory burden on hospice and home health agencies through more frequent surveys.
- 5/21/2026
- Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
- Ordered to be Reported in the Nature of a Substitute by the Yeas and Nays: 27 - 16.
- 5/19/2026
- Referred to the Committee on Ways and Means, and in addition to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- Introduced in House