Medicaid fraud: Hurting those in need
By Michelle Dynes
mdynes@wyomingnews.com
CHEYENNE -- With the number of Medicaid patients expected to grow, there's a new focus on combating fraud.
It is estimated that as much as 10 percent of Medicaid claims are fraudulently paid. That can add up to millions of dollars that could go toward patient care instead of Medicaid abuse.
During the 2009 fiscal year, Wyoming's Medicaid Fraud Control Unit recovered nearly $1.6 million in fraud settlements. Changes to Wyoming law also could allow the state to keep more of the money it recovers, returning a smaller percentage to the federal government for its contribution to the program.
Since Medicaid fraud isn't a violent offense tied to jail time, there are few incentives to stop. It's comparable to embezzling, said Christine Cox, the senior assistant attorney general who heads the Medicaid Fraud Office...more
Christine, now what are you going to do about Medicaid fraud in child welfare?
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