The DME Scammer Prevention Act of 2026 (H.R. 8871) is a proposed U.S. federal law aimed at strengthening Medicare’s integrity by targeting fraud in the durable medical equipment (DME) program. It was introduced in the House on May 19, 2026, by Representative Aaron Bean (R‑FL) and referred to the Committees on Energy and Commerce and Ways and Means
Purpose and Background
The bill addresses widespread Medicare DME fraud, including the use of stolen provider or beneficiary information to bill for unnecessary equipment and supplies such as orthotic braces, catheters, and glucose monitors. Congressional and Department of Justice actions have already targeted large-scale fraud schemes, with some cases involving billions in fraudulent payments House Committee on Ways and Means.
Key Provisions
The Act amends title XVIII of the Social Security Act to:
- Require electronic submission of claims for all providers and suppliers, with an exception for “specified items” (certain DME and supplies on the Master List from section 1834(a)(23)).
- Mandate claims to be submitted within 90 days of the date of service for “applicable items” (specified items not on certain required prior authorization or face-to-face encounter lists).
- Empower CMS to use modern technology to detect unusual billing patterns more quickly, reducing the one-year window currently allowed for claims submission House Committee on Ways and Means.
- Direct the GAO to report to Congress on contractor efforts to combat DME fraud and recommendations for further improvements House Committee on Ways and Means.
Legislative Status
As of May 21, 2026, the bill was ordered reported to the full House, meaning it has moved from committee consideration to the chamber floor for debate and vote GovTrack.us. It has a modest chance of enactment, but further steps in both chambers and presidential approval are required.
Why It Matters
By modernizing DME billing requirements and shortening claim submission windows, the Act is designed to:
• Improve fraud detection and prevention.
• Reduce improper payments to Medicare.
• Protect seniors and taxpayers from unnecessary or fraudulent equipment orders.
If passed, the DME Scammer Prevention Act of 2026 would be a significant step in tightening Medicare’s oversight of high-risk DME transactions.
See the overview: https://waysandmeans.house.gov/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/H.R.-8871-One-Pager.pdf
See the full bill: https://www.congress.gov/119/bills/hr8871/BILLS-119hr8871ih.pdf