The White House issued Executive Order Protecting America’s Bank Account Against Fraud, Waste, and Abuse on March 25 that calls for new procedures to prevent fraud, waste, and abuse in government spending.

These procedures include processes that will allow the Department of the Treasury greater oversight into the disbursement of funds through pre-certification verification systems, access by the Secretary to agencies’ records, consolidation and centralization of payment systems, and reporting improper payments to the Office of Management and Budget. These activities impact spending from the United States General Fund, which includes both Medicare and Medicaid spending.

While protecting against fraud, waste, and abuse is essential for ensuring solvency of the programs LeadingAge members rely on to serve older adults, there is concern that these new processes could result in delays in payment or denied payments. Agencies have 90 days to submit compliance plans to the OMB Director.