Trending Now - Newsom Faces Scrutiny as Hospice Fraud Probe Intensifies
WHO:
James Comer, House Oversight Committee Chairman, Republican from Kentucky, stated that Governor Gavin Newsom should "lawyer up."
Nick Shirley, independent journalist, posted videos claiming fraud related to hospice care in California.
James Comer, House Oversight Committee Chairman, Republican from Kentucky
Gavin Newsom, Governor of California
Nick Shirley, independent journalist
California Department of Public Health (CDPH)
California Health and Human Services (CalHHS)
California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS)
California Department of Social Services (DSS)
California Department of Justice
WHAT:
Comer indicated that the suspected fraud in California could be "multiplied by 10" compared to findings in Minnesota.
Comer expressed hope that whistleblowers would come forward to provide information about the alleged fraud.
Shirley claimed to have visited several locations in California where daycare and hospice fraud was occurring.
An investigation into alleged widespread hospice fraud in California has been launched by the House Oversight Committee.
Comer stated that suspected fraud totals could surpass findings in Minnesota, estimating it could be ten times worse in California.
Comer classified the suspected fraud as "rampant taxpayer fraud in California’s hospice programs."
The hospice budget for the United States in 2025 indicated that 18% of all billing was in Los Angeles County.
Over 280 hospice licenses have been revoked in California over the past two years, with an additional 300 providers under investigation.
Newsom's office stated that California established a multi-agency Hospice Fraud Task Force to investigate wrongdoing and coordinate enforcement.
WHERE:
California, specifically Los Angeles County
Capitol Hill Club, Washington D.C. (where Comer was seen leaving a meeting)
WHEN:
Comer made statements during an appearance on "Hannity" on March 24th, 2026.
Deadline for Governor Newsom to comply with the request for records is April 6th, 2026.
Newsom signed legislation placing a moratorium on new hospice licenses in 2021.
Comer made statements during an appearance on "Hannity" on March 24th, 2026.
Newsom spoke during a press conference in Hayward, California, on March 2nd, 2026.
WHY:
Comer introduced the No More SCAMS Act to create a federal task force targeting California's fraud crisis, which includes $32 billion in unemployment theft and Medicaid scams.
The investigation is motivated by concerns over rampant fraud in California’s hospice programs and the need for accountability.
HOW:
The governor's office stated that California's actions against hospice fraud began years ago, with a moratorium on new hospice licenses signed into law by Newsom in 2021.
The House Oversight Committee is requesting records from Governor Newsom as part of the investigation.
California has implemented a moratorium on new hospice licenses and established a task force to address hospice fraud.
(UPDATED March 26, 2026 01:22 UTC)
House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer stated that California Governor Gavin Newsom should "lawyer up" in light of allegations of hospice care fraud, which Comer believes could be significantly worse than similar issues found in Minnesota. During his appearance on "Hannity" on March 24, Comer expressed hope that whistleblowers would come forward with information, while independent journalist Nick Shirley shared videos claiming to have uncovered fraud at various locations in California. In response to the crisis, Comer has introduced the No More SCAMS Act to establish a federal task force aimed at addressing the estimated $32 billion in unemployment theft and Medicaid scams, while Newsom's office noted that efforts against hospice fraud have been ongoing since a moratorium on new hospice licenses was enacted in 2021.
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(UPDATED March 26, 2026 00:36 UTC)
An investigation into alleged widespread hospice fraud in California has been launched by the House Oversight Committee, with Chairman James Comer stating that the suspected fraud could be ten times worse than findings in Minnesota. Over the past two years, California has revoked more than 280 hospice licenses and has an additional 300 providers under investigation, prompting Governor Gavin Newsom's office to establish a multi-agency Hospice Fraud Task Force to coordinate enforcement. The deadline for Governor Newsom to comply with the committee's request for records is April 6, 2026, as concerns grow over rampant taxpayer fraud in California’s hospice programs.