"California officials promised to crack down on hospice fraud after a Times investigation revealed that many providers were billing Medicare for services to patients falsely labeled as terminally ill. Despite these promises, the regulations intended to strengthen oversight have not been enacted, and the industry continues to face significant issues."
"The hospice industry, particularly in Los Angeles County, has exploded in size, outpacing public need. State officials initially responded with a moratorium on new hospice licenses to allow time for regulatory improvements, but years later, those regulations remain unimplemented."
"Recent investigations have uncovered that providers have bilked taxpayers out of more than $260 million. Sheila Clark, president of the California Hospice and Palliative Care Assn., emphasized that the focus should be on protecting beneficiaries, stating, 'This is not a red versus blue issue... We care about the beneficiary and the benefit, full stop.'"
California authorities have not effectively addressed pervasive fraud in the hospice industry, despite promises made five years ago. A Times investigation revealed that many providers were billing Medicare for services to patients falsely labeled as terminally ill. The hospice industry has grown significantly, particularly in Los Angeles County, leading to a moratorium on new licenses to improve oversight. However, promised regulations remain unenacted, and issues persist despite enforcement efforts. A recent investigation revealed over $260 million in fraudulent claims, prompting criticism and calls for accountability.
Read at Los Angeles Times
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