NE Washington News

House Energy and Commerce Committee Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers and Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations Chair Morgan Griffith have revealed plans for a subcommittee hearing focused on the impact of improper payments within the Medicare and Medicaid programs.

In a joint statement, Chairs Rodgers and Griffith highlighted the significant financial toll that improper payments have taken on these crucial healthcare programs. They stated, “Millions of Americans rely on Medicare and Medicaid for essential health care services. Despite the importance of these programs, both have been plagued by improper payments. In fiscal year 2023 alone, such improper payments cost Medicare $51.1 billion and Medicaid $50.3 billion.”

The upcoming hearing, titled “Examining How Improper Payments Cost Taxpayers Billions and Weaken Medicare and Medicaid," aims to address the need for stronger oversight and measures to combat waste, fraud, and abuse within the CMS's fiscal responsibilities. Chairs Rodgers and Griffith emphasized the importance of finding solutions to curtail improper payments and ensure the efficient use of resources for the benefit of program beneficiaries.

The Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations hearing is scheduled to take place on Tuesday, April 16, 2024, at 10:30 AM ET in the 2322 Rayburn House Office Building. The witnesses for the hearing will be announced and are by invitation only.

The public and press are invited to attend the hearing, which will also be live-streamed online. For further information regarding the hearing, individuals can contact Lauren Kennedy at Lauren.Kennedy@mail.house.gov. Press-related inquiries can be directed to Christopher Krepich at Christopher.Krepich@mail.house.gov.

The announcement underscores the ongoing efforts within the Energy and Commerce Committee to address the challenges posed by improper payments and ensure the integrity of Medicare and Medicaid programs.