In a press conference, Vice President JD Vance and Dr. Mehmet Oz tackled a significant issue troubling the healthcare system—fraudulent hospice facilities across the United States, with a shocking concentration in Los Angeles. Dr. Oz revealed that nearly a third of hospices nationwide are situated in this city, raising eyebrows and prompting critical questions about the integrity of these establishments. “A third of all hospices, a third of these programs in the entire country, are in Los Angeles. Ask yourself, how is that possible? It’s not,” he emphasized. This statement underscores the absurdity of such numbers and frames the fraudulent activities as an issue that goes beyond administrative lapses into a concerning reality of abuse within the system.
Oz further disclosed that investigations led by a task force established under the Trump administration indicated that at least half of the hospice facilities in the Los Angeles area are likely fraudulent. “We believe that at least half of the hospices in the entire area around Los Angeles are fraudulent,” he stated, revealing that 800 of these facilities have been suspended due to their unscrupulous practices. This revelation indicates not just a failure of oversight but also a brazen attempt to exploit taxpayer funds, as these fraudulent hospices charged taxpayers a staggering $1.4 billion in 2025.
Dr. Oz’s comparison to the silence following the shutdown of these facilities was telling. He noted that only “less than 20” had reached out with complaints, which he questioned as possibly legitimate. “It’s like it’s crickets out there,” he said. This silence raises further concerns over the effectiveness of existing oversight mechanisms and the level of accountability within the hospice care sector. If these establishments were genuinely providing necessary services, one might expect a louder outcry after being suspended.
Furthermore, the announcement of a nationwide six-month moratorium on new hospices and home healthcare businesses highlighted the urgency of addressing this issue. Oz explained that the goal is to prevent fraudsters from merely relocating to other states, such as Nevada, which has already seen a seven-fold increase in hospices. “We know what those fraudsters do. They move to nearby Nevada,” he commented, underscoring the systemic nature of the problem and the need for a comprehensive approach. The moratorium aims to halt the establishment of new facilities until more robust methods of regulation can be developed.
Vice President Vance reiterated the focus on protecting vital programs like Medicaid and Medicare during the press conference. His comments reflect a dual commitment to safeguarding taxpayer funds while ensuring that needed services remain available. “We want to protect Medicaid. We want to protect Medicare. But we can’t do that if the states that are administering those programs are allowing those programs to be fleeced by fraudsters,” he stated. This reveals a no-nonsense approach to dealing with the issue at hand, as Vance acknowledged states like Ohio and Maryland for their cooperation in addressing fraud, setting a precedent for others to follow.
The press conference served as a critical platform to address the fraudulent hospice issue, spotlighting the extent of the problem and the concrete measures being taken to combat it. With a task force dedicated to this mission, there is a concerted effort to restore trust and integrity in the healthcare system. As these developments unfold, vigilance and accountability remain paramount, emphasizing the need to ensure that taxpayer funds are used appropriately and effectively in providing hospice and healthcare services.
"*" indicates required fields
