U.S. Representative Blake Moore of Utah introduced legislation on July 21, 2026, aimed at strengthening federal efforts to combat fraud within government healthcare programs. The Anti-Fraud Fund Act of 2026 proposes a $28 billion investment into the Health Care Fraud and Abuse Control Program to provide investigators with the personnel and technology necessary to identify and recover stolen taxpayer dollars.
Increased Funding for Healthcare Oversight
The proposed legislation seeks to significantly increase funding for the Health Care Fraud and Abuse Control (HCFAC) Program. According to the text of the bill, the act would increase funding for the account by $7 billion annually for each of the fiscal years 2026 through 2030. These additional resources are intended to support the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) in its efforts to prevent and prosecute fraud within Medicare and Medicaid.
Strengthening Federal Investigations
The bill was referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means and the Committee on Energy and Commerce following its introduction on July 21, 2026. The legislation aims to provide federal investigators with enhanced tools to identify fraudulent activity and stop bad actors before taxpayer money is lost. The primary objective, according to Rep. Moore, is to ensure that the resources meant for vulnerable Americans are not diverted to fraudsters.
Projected Economic Returns
Economic projections suggest the investment could yield significant returns for the federal government. Rep. Moore noted that for every dollar invested in anti-fraud measures, there is a return in the form of recouped and halted fraudulent payments. Specifically, the Congressional Budget Office preliminarily estimates that the net savings from this investment could reach at least $168 billion over a 10-year period, representing a 7-to-1 return on every dollar spent.
Empowering Existing Oversight
Rep. Moore emphasized the proven effectiveness of existing anti-fraud programs. He stated that the Health Care Fraud and Abuse Control Program has existed for thirty years and has proven to be one of the most effective tools to combat fraud in the health care system. Moore expressed confidence that the immediate funding provided by the act would empower the team led by CMS Administrator Dr. Oz and Deputy Administrator Kim Brandt to bring accountability to Medicare and Medicaid providers.
Addressing Daily Losses
House Budget Chairman Jodey Arrington, a cosponsor of the bill, highlighted the scale of the problem facing federal programs. Arrington stated that $275 million in taxpayer dollars are stolen every day from the Medicare and Medicaid programs. He characterized the Anti-Fraud Fund Act as a commonsense measure to strengthen the ability of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to prevent, detect, investigate, and prosecute healthcare fraud.
Bipartisan Legislative Support
The legislation has garnered support from several Republican colleagues. Cosponsors include House Budget Chairman Jodey Arrington of Texas, Jay Obernolte of California, Glenn Grothman of Wisconsin, Mike Carey of Ohio, Addison McDowell of North Carolina, and Lloyd Smucker of Pennsylvania. Rep. Obernolte noted that the legislation provides investigators with the necessary personnel and technology to identify fraud sooner and recover taxpayer dollars, protecting seniors and vulnerable patients.
History of the HCFAC Program
The HCFAC Program, established in 1996, serves as the primary federal investment for addressing health care fraud and abuse. The program functions through a coordinated effort between the Department of Justice (DOJ), the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), and the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General. Its core mission is to reduce improper payments and the identification and prosecution of bad actors within the healthcare system.
