Secretary Xavier Becerra, Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), appeared before the Senate Committee on Finance on March 22 to answer questions about the President’s fiscal year 2024 budget proposal. Here are some highlights:

• Senator John Barrasso (R-WY) mentioned the letter he wrote with the Comprehensive Care Caucus in the fall regarding the increase of for-profit hospices that do not appear legitimate (e.g. having multiple hospices in the same office suite). The Secretary shared that the Department completed unannounced site visits and promised to keep Congress posted.
• LeadingAge worked on 34 program integrity recommendations that were shared with Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and key offices, including Senator Barrasso’s, and we applaud the Senator for his tenacity around this issue.
• Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) also mentioned his continued interest in end-of-life care, particularly around a state-focused demonstration that would bring together key waivers to help ensure a smoother patient experience at the end of life.
• Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) also uplifted his Better Care Better Jobs Act, as did Committee Chair Ron Wyden (D-OR) in his introductory remarks.

We look forward to continuing to partner on these priorities.