PlainBillCongress, translated.Legislation. Context. Public interest.Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
Congressional Research Service
Version 00 · Introduced in Senate · Feb 5, 1997
Medicare Whistleblower Act of 1997 - Amends title XI of the Social Security Act to allow Medicare beneficiaries to submit a written request to program providers for an itemized bill of items and services received from them. Permits such beneficiaries to further request a review of such a bill for any billing irregularities by the appropriate fiscal intermediary or carrier under contract to administer Medicare benefits. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to require such entities to take all appropriate measures to recover amounts inappropriately paid because of such irregularities. Subjects providers submitting fraudulent billings to a certain civil money penalty in addition to any other penalties that may be prescribed by law. Provides for antifraud incentive payments (out of collected penalties) to Medicare beneficiaries who request itemized billings later found to contain irregularities of a negligent or fraudulent nature.
People & committees
Sen. McCain, John [R-AZ] · R–AZ
Legislative record
A procedural vote is different from passage. Passage in one chamber does not establish enactment. Explore the glossary.
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S1018-1019)
Introduced in Senate
Primary sources
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Source last updated: Aug 21, 2025. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.
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