WASHINGTON, D.C. - Ways and Means Oversight Subcommittee Chairman John Lewis (D-GA), delivered the following statement today at a joint hearing with the Subcommittee on Health on reducing fraud, waste and abuse in Medicare:
“Thank you, Chairman Stark and Ranking Members Boustany and Herger for holding this joint hearing today with the Oversight Subcommittee.
“Both subcommittees are committed to protecting the Medicare program and its beneficiaries. Millions of our seniors and disabled Americans, some of whom are the most vulnerable people in our society, depend on the Medicare program for their health care.
“Fraud and abuse of the Medicare system is a shame and a disgrace. It is an affront to the program and to seniors. Those who would abuse the system or engage in fraud strike at the very heart of the Medicare program.
“We cannot allow bad actors to weaken this important program. We cannot and will not tolerate abuse of the system. Together we must seek out and eliminate fraud so that Medicare truly works for the people it serves.
“I want to thank the witnesses for being here today and for all their good and great work to protect the Medicare program. Your offices have investigated, prosecuted, ended and prevented some of the worst cases of fraud. You’re using new tools and a joint approach that has returned billions of dollars to the program and taxpayers.
“We have heard you when you’ve asked for additional tools. We look forward to hearing about the implementation of the new fraud and abuse provisions that passed as part of the Affordable Care Act.
“The Congress is committed to finding ways to work even more closely with our witnesses to ensure that Medicare beneficiaries receive the best health care we can deliver, to ensure that wrongdoers are held accountable, and to ensure that the Medicare program remains strong for the next generation of Americans.
“I look forward to learning more about each agency’s plan to oversee this vital program."
