CAT Act of 2024

The CAT Act of 2024 requires the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to provide Medicare providers with detailed notice before suspending payments due to fraud allegations. It mandates that CMS explain the specific fraud allegations, their basis (like hotline tips or audit findings), and provide regular updates during investigations, with suspensions limited to 180 days unless justified. Providers must receive a clear timeline for resolution and an opportunity to challenge allegations, with CMS required to resume payments and compensate for delays if transparency rules aren't followed. The bill also creates a new appeals process for providers and requires annual reports to Congress on suspension statistics. This directly affects Medicare providers who face payment suspensions, ensuring greater fairness for those acting in good faith.