Following today’s federal arrests of several individuals involved in a massive Southern California hospice fraud scheme, Assemblywoman Alexandra M. Macedo (R-Tulare), who spearheaded the discovery of the rampant fraud in “ground zero” of hospice care fraud, released the following:
“Hospice care is a sacred promise of dignity for patients and families during their most vulnerable final days. To see that promise exploited by criminals is not just a fiscal crime, it is a moral failure.
“While federal authorities are finally bringing these bad actors to justice, the vacuum of leadership in Sacramento remains deafening. Governor Newsom has repeatedly failed to implement the emergency regulations and guardrails necessary to protect California families from being preyed upon.
“I am grateful for the federal oversight, which is finally providing the accountability that our state government has neglected. We will not stop until every taxpayer dollar intended for end-of-life care is protected, and those who abuse the system are held accountable.”
EDITOR/PRODUCERS: There are 818 hospices in LA County (more than New York and Florida combined), while the rest of the state has 707 hospice agencies. The Los Angeles live discharge rate is 26 percent compared to an 11 percent national average. These high numbers are indicators of fraud. To view the 2022 State Auditor report on hospice care, please click here.
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