Latta Introduces Bill to Increase Transparency and Accountability in Medicaid HCBS Programs

Today, Congressman Bob Latta (OH-5) introduced the Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) Anti-Fraud Reporting Act of 2026, a bill requiring states to report on efforts to identify and prevent waste, fraud, and abuse. This legislation promotes transparency and accountability while preserving state flexibility in administering HCBS programs.

Home and community-based services (HCBS), authorized under Section 1915(c) of the Social Security Act, allow Medicaid beneficiaries to receive care in their homes or communities rather than in institutional settings. While HCBS programs are vital to millions of Americans, their rapid growth and decentralized administration create vulnerabilities to improper payments and fraudulent activity.

Currently, there is no uniform federal requirement for states to regularly report specifically on HCBS fraud detection and deterrence activities. This bill would amend Section 1915(c)(2) of the Social Security Act to require states, on an annual basis, to submit a report to the Secretary of Health and Human Services that includes a summary of any waste, fraud, or abuse detected in HCBS waiver programs and a description of actions taken to prevent, detect, and address such activities.

"Home and community-based services (HCBS) play an important role in helping Americans receive care in the setting that best meets their needs. As these programs continue to grow, we must ensure taxpayer dollars are being responsibly used. The HCBS Anti-Fraud Reporting Act will increase transparency and accountability by helping states identity and address waste, fraud, and abuse while preserving the flexibility they need to administer these programs effectively," Latta said.

The HCBS Anti-Fraud Reporting Act of 2026 is co-sponsored by Rep. Dave Taylor (OH-2), Rep. Tom Barret (MI-07) and Rep. Jodey Arrington (TX-19).

This bill is supported by Americans for Prosperity, The Libre Initiative and Able Americans.

"Congratulations to Congressman Latta on offering a commonsense answer to a serious problem. Federal health care programs are rampant with waste, fraud, and abuse. This bill would help reduce those improper payments, within an important part of Medicaid, by arming policymakers with better data. AFP will be urging all Members of Congress to support the HCBS Anti-Fraud Reporting Act of 2026 because it will benefit patients and taxpayers alike without any new spending, taxes, or mandates," said Dean Clancy, Senior Health Policy Fellow, Americans for Prosperity.

"The LIBRE Initiative is proud to support the HCBS Anti-Fraud Reporting Act of 2026. This legislation is not simply about saving taxpayer dollars, but at its core, it's about ensuring our most vulnerable fellow Americans receive the care they were promised. Over 5 million Americans rely on home and community-based services, including hundreds of thousands of Latino seniors who are the fastest growing elderly demographic in our country. In 2024 alone, Medicaid fraud units recovered over a billion dollars. When fraud goes unchecked, it is these families who suffer most," said Sandra Benitez, Executive Director, The LIBRE Initiative.

"Able Americans supports Rep. Bob Latta's HCBS Anti-Fraud Reporting Act of 2026, legislation that calls on states to increase transparency and accountability in Medicaid Home- and Community-Based Services. For millions of Americans with disabilities, HCBS is not optional-it is the support that allows them to live in their homes, remain connected to their families, participate in their communities, and avoid unnecessary institutional care. These services are a lifeline. But when waste, fraud, or abuse occurs, it threatens both taxpayers and the people with disabilities who depend on these programs for daily care. Able Americans applauds Rep. Latta for his leadership to protect Medicaid HCBS, safeguard taxpayers, and verify that states guard these critical services remain available for the people who need them most," said Rachel Barkley, Director of Able Americans.

The HCBS Anti-Fraud Reporting Act of 2026 would:

• Establish consistent, nationwide reporting on HCBS program integrity;
• Provide federal policymakers with better data to identify trends and risks;
• Encourage states to enhance anti-fraud systems and safeguards.