WASHINGTON—U.S. Sen. John Cornyn joined Sens. Mel Martinez, R-Fla., and several other Senators recently in introducing a bill to combat Medicare fraud and abuse. The legislation, entitled The Medicare Fraud Prevention Act of 2008, would increase the maximum criminal sentence, double civil fines and quadruple criminal fines. It also aims to deter criminal organizations from committing Medicare fraud.

"Each year, millions of dollars of taxpayer money go down the drain because of Medicare fraud and abuse. That money should instead go toward reducing costs and premiums for all Americans," Sen. Cornyn said. "We should do everything in our power to eliminate fraud and abuse. By increasing penalties for offenders, this bill takes important steps to protect taxpayers and legitimate Medicare recipients."

The Medicare Fraud Prevention Act of 2008 amends the Social Security Act to provide increased sentences for individuals convicted of felonies involving fraud and abuse under the Medicare program, and raises the amount of the surety bond required for suppliers of durable medical equipment.

Specifically, the legislation would: