# Examining Healthcare Markets: Fraud and Competition

The House Judiciary GOP held a field hearing on September 14, 2026, titled "Examining Healthcare Markets: Fraud and Competition," focusing on issues related to healthcare access, affordability, and fraud within Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act (ACA) exchanges. Witnesses detailed extensive fraud and improper enrollment in ACA subsidies and Medicaid expansion programs, estimating billions in federal losses due to weak verification and perverse incentives. Discussions highlighted the impact of certificate of need laws and restrictions on physician-owned hospitals in limiting competition and driving up healthcare costs, especially in rural areas. The hearing also covered state efforts, such as North Carolina's investments in rural healthcare workforce development and residency programs, and debated policy reforms including reducing federal Medicaid matching rates, improving eligibility verification, and promoting competition to reduce consolidation and costs. Several witnesses recommended legislative actions to curb fraud proactively, enhance audits, and reform subsidy structures to improve program integrity and healthcare affordability.

**Jurisdictions:** federal
**Industries:** Healthcare, Professional Services
**Topics:** Regulatory Compliance, Grants & Funding
**Published:** September 14, 2026

### Sources
- [Examining Healthcare Markets: Fraud and Competition](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rwBQWrN6O5I) - House Judiciary GOP