LA County to Join Federal Probe of Hospice Fraud

Supervisors vote to coordinate with ongoing investigations into alleged fraudulent practices costing taxpayers millions.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 9:35pm

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An extreme close-up of a stack of medical documents and files, lit dramatically by a harsh flash against a dark background, conveying the serious, investigative nature of the fraud probe.Federal and local authorities ramp up investigations into alleged fraud schemes targeting vulnerable hospice patients.Los Angeles Today

The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors unanimously voted to have the Department of Public Health join federal and state investigations into potentially fraudulent practices within the home care and hospice industry. The motion calls for better coordination between local, state, and federal agencies to root out illegal activities that have cost taxpayers millions.

Why it matters

Hospice and home health services are intended to care for vulnerable residents, so any fraud in these industries represents a serious breach of public trust. LA County is taking action to protect patients and families by supporting enforcement efforts against unscrupulous providers.

The details

The motion directs the LA County Department of Public Health to coordinate with ongoing federal and state fraud investigations of home care and hospice providers. It also calls for the county to send a letter to state and federal health agencies urging greater coordination and investment in enforcement. Authorities have already uncovered cases of hospice providers billing Medicare for services not rendered and enrolling patients under stolen identities.

  • On April 7, 2026, the LA County Board of Supervisors unanimously passed the motion.
  • In about two months, the Department of Public Health will report back to the board on how it will assist the investigations.

The players

LA County Board of Supervisors

The governing body of Los Angeles County that voted to join the fraud investigations.

LA County Department of Public Health

The county agency that will coordinate with federal and state authorities on the fraud investigations.

California Department of Public Health

The state agency that the county will urge to improve coordination with local and federal oversight.

U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services

The federal agency that oversees Medicare and Medicaid programs, which have been targeted by hospice fraud.

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What they’re saying

“Hospice and home health care exist to serve our most vulnerable residents, so fraud in these industries is a profound betrayal of their trust.”

— Kathryn Barger, Fifth District Supervisor

“Los Angeles County cannot stand by while unscrupulous individuals exploit any gaps between local, state, and federal oversight.”

— Kathryn Barger, Fifth District Supervisor

“We must work toward stronger coordination and accountability at every level of government to protect the patients and families who depend on these critical services.”

— Lindsey Horvath, Third District Supervisor

What’s next

The LA County Department of Public Health will report back to the Board of Supervisors in about two months on how it will assist the ongoing fraud investigations.

The takeaway

This case highlights the need for tighter coordination and oversight between local, state, and federal agencies to combat fraud in the home health and hospice industry and protect vulnerable patients and families who rely on these critical services.