We Want Our Healthcare Money Back Act of 2025

Bill Number

H.R. 5871

Origin Chamber

House

Congress

119th Congress, Session 1

Policy Area

Health

Status

Introduced

Latest Action

2025-10-31: Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.

Last Updated

2025-11-25T17:00:47Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose

The legislation aims to enhance congressional oversight of fraud in the Medicare and Medicaid programs by mandating regular reports from the Inspector General (IG) of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). This promotes transparency and accountability to protect taxpayer funds spent on these federal health programs.

Key Provisions

• Reporting Requirement: The HHS IG must submit a report on Medicare and Medicaid fraud to four congressional committees (House Ways and Means, House Energy and Commerce, Senate Finance, and Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions) no later than 3 months after the bill's enactment, and every 3 months thereafter for a total of 2 years.
• Report Contents: Each report covers the 3-month period ending 1 month before the submission date and includes:
• The number of fraud investigations conducted by the IG.
• The number of criminal prosecutions and civil lawsuits (non-criminal legal actions) started due to IG investigations.
• The estimated dollar amount of fraud claimed in each prosecution or lawsuit.
• The specific charges (legal accusations) in each prosecution or lawsuit.
• The number of people or organizations barred from participating in federal health programs due to fraud-related convictions or actions.
• Definition of Fraud: "Medicare and Medicaid fraud" refers to deceptive practices related to the Medicare program (under Title XVIII of the Social Security Act) or the Medicaid program (under Title XIX of the Social Security Act).
• Funding: No new money is authorized; reports must use existing HHS or IG budgets.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

This bill introduces a new, mandatory quarterly reporting obligation for the HHS IG specifically on Medicare and Medicaid fraud, which was not previously required by law. It builds on existing IG authorities to investigate fraud but adds structured, time-bound disclosures to Congress without altering core fraud investigation or enforcement processes.

Potential Impacts

• On Government Agencies: The HHS IG will face an increased administrative workload for compiling and submitting reports, potentially straining resources without additional funding. Congressional committees gain timely data to inform oversight, policy, or funding decisions for Medicare and Medicaid.
• On Citizens: Taxpayers and beneficiaries of these programs may benefit from heightened scrutiny, which could lead to reduced fraud, better protection of program funds (totaling over $1 trillion annually), and more efficient use of healthcare dollars. However, it does not directly change services or eligibility for individuals.
• On International Relations: No direct impacts, as the bill focuses solely on domestic U.S. health programs.

Main Stakeholders Affected

• HHS Inspector General and Department: Primarily responsible for producing the reports, affecting their operations and priorities.
• Congressional Committees: Receive the reports, enabling better monitoring of fraud trends and program integrity.
• Healthcare Providers and Entities: Those involved in fraud investigations, prosecutions, or exclusions may face increased scrutiny and consequences.
• Taxpayers and Program Beneficiaries: Indirectly affected through potential improvements in fraud prevention and fund safeguarding for Medicare (for seniors and disabled) and Medicaid (for low-income individuals).

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

• Legal: Strengthens existing anti-fraud mechanisms under the Social Security Act without creating new enforcement powers, ensuring compliance through routine IG duties. The lack of additional funding emphasizes fiscal restraint.
• Constitutional: Aligns with Congress's oversight authority over federal spending (Article I, Section 9), posing no apparent challenges to separation of powers.
• Political: Highlights bipartisan interest in curbing healthcare waste, potentially influencing future budgets or reforms. It signals a focus on accountability but is limited in scope and duration (2 years), avoiding long-term mandates.

This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.

Sponsor

Rep. Bean, Aaron [R-FL-4]

Cosponsors (1)

Rep. Haridopolos, Mike [R-FL-8]

Recent Actions

• 2025-10-31: Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
• 2025-10-31: Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
• 2025-10-31: Introduced in House
• 2025-10-31: Introduced in House

Bill Versions

• We Want Our Healthcare Money Back Act of 2025 — issued 2025-10-31 — PDF (4 pages)