119-HR-8871 Journalist Public Summary

Headline Summary

H.R. 8871 aims to crack down on Medicare fraud in medical equipment by moving claims to electronic filing and shortening the filing window to 90 days for many higher‑risk items. [1]GovInfo (GPO) — H.R. 8871 (IH) — DME Scammer Prevention Act of 2026 (text)

What It Does

The DME Scammer Prevention Act of 2026 changes Medicare billing for durable medical equipment and supplies that appear on CMS’s “Master List” of potentially high‑risk items. For these items furnished on or after January 1, 2027, the bill requires electronic claim submission and sets a 90‑day filing deadline, with exceptions for items already subject to face‑to‑face/written‑order or prior‑authorization rules, and for items paid on a monthly rental basis. It also directs the Government Accountability Office to report by January 1, 2030 on how Medicare contractors’ screening technology performed in the first year of implementation. [1]GovInfo (GPO) — H.R. 8871 (IH) — DME Scammer Prevention Act of 2026 (text)

Who’s For It

• Sponsor Rep. Aaron Bean (R‑FL) says the bill will “modernize” claims processing and help stop fraud in the DME system. [2]Office of Rep. Aaron Bean — Sponsor introduction press release: “Bean Cracks Do…
• House Ways and Means Committee Republicans back the bill, arguing that mandatory e‑billing and faster deadlines will improve fraud detection. [3]House Ways & Means Committee (Republicans) — Ways & Means GOP press release on…

Who’s Against It

• Most committee Democrats voted no at markup (final vote 25–19), signaling concerns with the approach. [4]House Ways & Means Committee — Markup agenda and vote results (May 21, 2026): H…
• DME supplier groups have cautioned against cutting Medicare’s one‑year filing deadline to 90–180 days in general policy discussions, warning it can penalize legitimate suppliers and disrupt patient access—concerns that could apply here. [5]American Association for Homecare — AAHomecare comments on CMS anti‑fraud RFI (…

What’s Next

On May 21, 2026, the House Ways and Means Committee approved H.R. 8871 by a 25–19 vote and ordered it favorably reported. The bill was originally referred to both the Energy & Commerce and Ways and Means committees; after committee reporting is complete, House leaders could schedule a floor vote. [4]House Ways & Means Committee — Markup agenda and vote results (May 21, 2026): H…