U.S. Rep. Bob Latta (R-OH) on June 3 proposed legislation to end improper payments and fraudulent activity in home and community-based services (HCBS), which allow Medicaid beneficiaries to receive care in their homes or communities rather than in institutional settings.
“HCBS play an important role in helping Americans receive care in the setting that best meets their needs. As these programs continue to grow, we must ensure taxpayer dollars are being responsibly used,” Rep. Latta said, noting that the bill “will increase transparency and accountability by helping states identity and address waste, fraud, and abuse while preserving the flexibility they need to administer these programs effectively.”
Currently, no uniform federal requirement exists for states to regularly report specifically on HCBS fraud detection and deterrence activities, according to a bill summary provided by Rep. Latta’s staff.
Rep. Latta sponsored the HCBS Anti-Fraud Reporting Act of 2026, H.R. 9126, alongside four original GOP cosponsors, including U.S. Rep. Jodey Arrington (R-TX), to amend the Social Security Act to require that states annually submit a report to the U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services summarizing any waste, fraud, or abuse detected in HCBS waiver programs, as well as a description of actions taken to prevent, detect, and address such activities.
The bill also would establish consistent, nationwide reporting on HCBS program integrity; provide federal policymakers with better data to identify trends and risks; and encourage states to enhance anti-fraud systems and safeguards, the summary says.
The bill has gained support from Americans for Prosperity, The LIBRE Initiative, and Able Americans.