Major Medicaid Fraud Legislative Package Introduced
On September 29, House Energy and Commerce Committee (E&C) Republicans introduced a 14-bill anti-fraud package targeting Medicaid. The Energy and Commerce Committee has jurisdiction over the Medicaid program in the House. In their press release, E&C members released statements on each of their introduced bills. Links to the bills are not yet available, though the release indicates the package targets data availability and transparency, enhanced enforcement tools, and improved accountability of state program administration to combat waste, fraud and abuse in the Medicaid program. We will review the text of the bills, as they become available, and work with the Committee on their intentions for the package. LeadingAge will provide more information on how enactment of any or all of these bills could have financial or administrative burden impacts on providers.
IRS’ 2026-27 Priority Guidance Plan Includes Forthcoming Guidance Affecting Tax Exempt Organizations
On September 29, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) released its 2026-2027 Priority Guidance Plan. According to the IRS, the guidance projects on the plan are priorities for allocating Treasury Department and IRS resources for fiscal year 2027, which begins on October 1st. Among the guidance that IRS plans to issue relating to tax exempt organizations are: 1) guidance on the statutory prohibition in § 501(c)(3) against participation or intervention in political campaigns; and 2) guidance under § 6033 regarding exempt organization information reporting requirements, including with regard to fiscal sponsorship arrangements. With respect to the former, the Internal Revenue Code prohibits § 501(c)(3) tax exempt organizations from participating or intervening in any political campaign on behalf of (or in opposition to) any candidate for public office. This prohibition on political activity is known as the Johnson Amendment. The IRS indicated earlier this year that it would issue guidance on the application of the Johnson Amendment to religious organizations, stating that “forthcoming guidance will provide clear, administrable standards for houses of worship, including how the law applies to certain communications made within the context of religious services.” Many nonprofit advocacy organizations are concerned that this potential weakening of the Johnson Amendment could threaten the longstanding requirement that tax exempt organizations remain nonpartisan and undermine the public’s trust in these organizations. With respect to the latter, the IRS also raised concerns about the need to improve the transparency of fiscal sponsorships, which typically involve an arrangement in which an organization or program seeking to carry out charitable activities affiliates with an existing § 501(c)(3) organization that shares a compatible mission. Citing concerns about “rogue organizations to hide behind opaque arrangements,” IRS previously announced plans to revise Form 990 and issue a proposed rulemaking on the reporting of fiscal sponsorship arrangements. LeadingAge will continue to monitor any new guidance or regulations from IRS on both of these fronts.
Infection Control Guidance: Measles
With measles cases being reported across the U.S., LeadingAge members should be prepared to identify and address this highly contagious illness. Stay on top of case prevalence in your local area and coordinate with your local public health for guidance. The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) also has resources available to help. Check out Healthcare Providers: Stay Alert for Measles and Measles Preparedness and Response in Healthcare Settings to get started.
Weekly Recaps: September 30, 2026
- Affordable Housing Weekly Recap. Here is your Affordable Housing Weekly Recap.
- Home Health Weekly Recap. Here is your Home Health Weekly Recap.
- Hospice Weekly Recap. Here is your Hospice Weekly Recap.
- Medicaid, HCBS, and PACE Weekly Recap. Here is your Medicaid, HCBS, and PACE Weekly Recap.
- Nursing Home Weekly Recap. Here is your Nursing Home Weekly Recap.
- Workforce Policy Weekly Recap. Here is your Workforce Policy Weekly Recap.
