U.S. Congressman Aaron Bean introduced H.R. 8871, the DME Scammer Prevention Act, on May 20 to combat fraud in the Medicare system related to durable medical equipment (DME).
The bill aims to address concerns about fraudulent billing and improper claims that have cost taxpayers billions of dollars. DME provides essential items such as catheters and orthopedic braces for seniors and people with disabilities, but gaps in oversight have left the program vulnerable.
“Rising fraud and criminal activity threaten to undermine the Medicare system for Northeast Floridians and seniors across the country. We have an obligation to ensure that taxpayer dollars are used to care for our most vulnerable—not lining the pockets of fraudsters who exploit gaps in the system. This legislation strengthens accountability, improves oversight, and helps modernize the way claims are processed so legitimate patients get the care they need without delay or abuse of the system,” Bean said upon introducing the legislation.
The proposed act would require electronic submission of claims for certain DME products most at risk for fraud within 90 days of an initial claim date, a significant reduction from the current deadline of 365 days. Lawmakers say this change will help prevent fraudulent vendors from exploiting payment timelines.
Additionally, H.R. 8871 directs the Government Accountability Office to review technology used by Medicare Administrative Contractors for screening and processing claims, aiming to identify weaknesses in current anti-fraud tools.
Aaron Bean is currently serving in Congress representing Florida’s 4th district after replacing John Rutherford in 2023, according to Congress.gov. He previously served in both chambers of Florida’s legislature between 2000 and 2022.
