Medicare Payment Integrity Enhancement Act of 2026
To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to authorize the Secretary of Health and Human Services to enter into contracts with recovery audit contractors to perform prepayment reviews under the Medicare program.
This bill, HB8804, aims to improve how Medicare payments are managed by allowing the Secretary of Health and Human Services to hire outside experts to review payments before they are made. This is intended to catch and prevent improper payments in the Medicare program. The bill was introduced on May 13, 2026, and has been referred to two committees for further review. The primary sponsor of this bill is Lloyd Smucker, a Republican representative.
The bill would affect Medicare recipients, healthcare providers, and the entities that process Medicare payments. By ensuring payments are correct before they are made, it aims to reduce waste and save taxpayer money. This could also lead to better-managed healthcare costs for beneficiaries.
As of the latest update on May 13, 2026, the bill is in its initial stages. It has been introduced in the House and referred to the Committee on Ways and Means and the Committee on Energy and Commerce for further consideration. No additional steps have been taken yet.
