Rep. David Schweikert, Chairman of the Joint Economic Committee and House Ways and Means Oversight Subcommittee, announced on Apr. 16 that he has introduced legislation aimed at combating fraud in home health services under Medicaid.
The proposed Combating Deceptive Practices in Assistance Programs Act seeks to tighten eligibility requirements for individuals seeking home health services through Medicaid. This move comes as concerns rise over states with high spending on such programs, particularly New York, where spending and job growth in the sector have far exceeded national averages.
According to Schweikert’s office, New York spends nearly $1,000 more per resident than any other state on Medicaid home health care. The Joint Economic Committee estimates that if New York’s per resident spending matched the national average, the state would have spent almost $43 billion less in 2024. The bill would require recipients to demonstrate an inability to perform at least three Activities of Daily Living—such as bathing or eating—in order to qualify for federal assistance.
“If we seriously want to preserve Medicaid, and provide for the people most in need, we must crack down on fraud,” said Rep. Schweikert. “Reaching people that need these services the most should be the top priority of these programs, not growing one of the largest jobs corps in the state. With the U.S. adding almost $87,000 per second to our national debt, making commonsense reforms can save tens of billions of dollars while protecting the truly vulnerable.”
The issue brief released by the Joint Economic Committee highlights that broad federal waivers allow states significant leeway in structuring their long-term care models under Medicaid—a flexibility which can lead to inconsistent oversight and increased risk of waste or abuse according to committee analysis. In particular, New York’s Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program allows eligible individuals considerable choice over caregivers—including friends or family members with little training—which has contributed to rapid program expansion.
Recent data show that from 2019 through 2025 projected annual spending on this program grew from $2.5 billion up toward $12 billion despite reform attempts by state officials who have described it as “one of the most abused programs in the history of New York.”
Schweikert currently serves Arizona’s 1st district after defeating Amish Shah with 51.9% of votes cast during a general election held in 2024 as reported by Ballotpedia. He also won re-election against Jevin Hodge with a narrow margin during a previous contest according to Ballotpedia.
He has represented Arizona’s 1st District since replacing Harry Mitchell in Congress beginning with his election win in 2011 as noted by Biographical Directory, following earlier service from 1991–1995 as a member of Arizona’s House of Representatives according to Biographical Directory. Born in Los Angeles and now residing in Fountain Hills at age sixty-one as detailed by Biographical Directory, Schweikert is an alumnus twice over from Arizona State University where he earned his BS degree first in 1988 then again graduating there later on per Ballotpedia records.
