On June 22, 2016, the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (“OIG”) issued a comprehensive report detailing its nationwide analysis of common characteristics in home health fraud cases. In tandem with this report, the OIG issued an Alert on improper arrangements and conduct by and among home health agencies (“HHAs”) and physicians. Essentially, the OIG has broadcast a warning shot—it will increase its already aggressive prosecution of home health services fraud.

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (“CMS”) has also stepped up its own efforts to combat health care fraud. Specifically, the agency announced that it will implement a pre-claim review demonstration for HHAs in five states — Illinois, Florida, Texas, Michigan, and Massachusetts — identified as particularly susceptible to home health services fraud. This pre-claim review demonstration mandates that HHAs seeking Medicare reimbursement for home health services submit currently-mandated documentation to the Medicare Administrative Contractor (“MAC”) earlier in the claims payment process.  Although HHAs need not wait for a determination prior to furnishing services, the documentation is intended to determine if the service level complies with Medicare coverage requirements. CMS intends this review process to aid investigative and enforcement efforts by both CMS and OIG.Continue Reading OIG, CMS Focus New Scrutiny on Home Health Industry: Additional Investigative and Enforcement Activity Likely to Follow