MEDICARE AND MEDICAID FRAUDS, PART 7 - HEARING BEFORE THE SENATE SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON AGING, 94TH CONGRESS, 2ND SESSION, NOVEMBER 17, 1976

• NCJ Number: 61560
• Author(s): ANON
• Date Published: 1977
• Length: 57 pages
• Corporate Author: US Congress
• Sale Source: Superintendent of Documents, GPO; National Institute of Justice/
• Publication Type: Legislative/Regulatory Material
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: ISSUED IN 9 PARTS

Annotation

METHODS FOR IMPROVING THE MANAGEMENT AND FISCAL INTEGRITY OF MEDICAID PROGRAMS WERE DISCUSSED AT THE SEVENTH SESSION OF THE 1976 SENATE HEARINGS ON MEDICARE AND MEDICAID FRAUD.

Abstract

A NEW YORK ATTORNEY INVOLVED IN THE PROSECUTION OF MEDICAID FRAUD TESTIFIED ON NEW YORK'S EFFORT TO INDICT NURSING HOME OWNERS FOR KICKBACK SCHEMES AND OFFERED THE FOLLOWING RECOMMENDATIONS: INCREASE FEDERAL FUNDING TO IMPROVE INVESTIGATIVE RESOURCES, ESTABLISH SPECIAL FEDERAL GUIDELINES AND PROGRAMS TO DEAL WITH HEALTH CARE FRAUD, AND IMPOSE STIFFER PENALTIES FOR WHITE COLLAR CRIMES. THE U.S. ATTORNEY FOR THE NORTHERN DISTRICT OF ILLINOIS, WHO SET UP THE FIRST GOVERNMENT UNIT TO INVESTIGATE MEDICAID FRAUD IN THE U.S., TESTIFIED CONCERNING PROBLEMS FACING FEDERAL PROSECUTORS. HE COMMENTED THAT FEW LAWS DEAL DIRECTLY WITH MEDICAID FRAUD, BUT THAT THE FEDERAL LAW PROHIBITING KICKBACKS HAD BEEN USED TO OBTAIN THE FIRST CONVICTION IN ILLINOIS. THE TESTIMONY CONTAINED METHODS AND EVIDENCE USED IN PROCURING AN INDICTMENT ON MEDICAID FRAUD AND SPECIFIC SUGGESTIONS FOR IMPROVED MANAGEMENT OF THESE PROGRAMS THROUGH REGULAR AUDITS, DISCLOSURE OF PROVIDERS' RECORDS, INCREASED INVESTIGATIVE MANPOWER, AND STATUTORY CHANGES. THE WITNESS ALSO SUPPORTED MINIMUM MANDATORY SENTENCES FOR FRAUD. (MJM)