119th (2025–2027)
H.R. 8865
This bill makes permanent the exclusion of healthcare providers convicted of fraud-related crimes from participating in federal health programs like Medicare and Medicaid. Currently, providers can be temporarily excluded for offenses such as fraud, theft, embezzlement, and breach of fiduciary duty, but this legislation removes the possibility of reinstatement after a set period. The bill applies to convictions that occur on or after the date it becomes law and eliminates exceptions that would otherwise allow excluded providers to appeal for reinstatement. The measure is intended to protect taxpayer-funded healthcare programs by preventing individuals and entities with fraud convictions from billing the government again. There is no specific funding mentioned, as the bill operates through the existing exclusion mechanisms already in place under Social Security Act regulations.