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Report suspected hospice fraud

If someone is in danger right now, call 911. Otherwise, here is who handles what — you don’t need proof to report, and agencies refer reports to each other when another office is the right fit.

Signs worth reporting

  • Someone comes to the door, a senior center or a church offering free help, gifts, cash or groceries in exchange for a Medicare number.
  • A person who is not seriously ill is told they "qualify for hospice" to get free supplies or home help.
  • The patient or family never met a doctor, and nobody explained that choosing hospice means stopping treatment meant to cure.
  • A Medicare Summary Notice shows hospice care nobody asked for.
  • The hospice can't give you its state license number or its Medicare (CMS) number.

Hospice can be exactly the right care, and Medicare covers it for people who qualify. The warning signs are about pressure, payment for sign-ups, and care nobody asked for.

  1. 1. California Department of Public Health (CDPH) — care and license complaints

    Poor care, neglect, a hospice that seems to operate without a license, or a hospice breaking state rules.

    You can file without giving your name. In LA County, CDPH's inspections are done by the county's Health Facilities Inspection Division.

  2. 2. California Department of Justice — Division of Medi-Cal Fraud & Elder Abuse (DMFEA)

    Fraud against Medi-Cal, or abuse or neglect of a patient in a care setting.

    Have dates, the place, the names of people or businesses involved, what happened and any money lost.

  3. 3. California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) — Medi-Cal fraud hotline

    Someone bills Medi-Cal for care that wasn't given, or offers money or gifts for a Medi-Cal number.

  4. 4. U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG)

    Medicare fraud: billing for hospice care that wasn't wanted or needed, kickbacks, paying people to sign up.

  5. 5. Medicare

    To check or question charges on a Medicare Summary Notice, or to report suspected Medicare fraud by phone.

  6. 6. Adult Protective Services (LA County)

    An older or dependent adult at home may be abused, neglected or financially exploited.

Phone numbers checked against each agency’s own website on 10/08/2026.How to check a hospice before you choose →