![Senator Headshot](/sites/default/files/styles/4_3_small/public/%2811-18-08%29%20Seward-HS-050.jpg?itok=JIw55FSU)
Combating Medicaid Fraud in New York State
James L. Seward
March 16, 2010
-
ISSUE:
- Medicaid
ALBANY, 03/17/10 – State Senator James L. Seward (R/C/I- Oneonta) today joined senate colleagues in announcing results of a preliminary report on Medicaid fraud in New York along with specific proposals to save half a billion dollars in the 2010-2011 fiscal year.
“New York’s Medicaid program is immense and is full of opportunities for fraud, waste and abuse,” said Senator Seward. “At a time when the state’s economy is reeling, we must shore up the system and crack down on those who are ripping off the state, and in turn taking money out of honest taxpayers’ pockets.”
A specially formed Senate Republican Task Force on Medicaid Fraud held several public hearings over the past month and worked with county district attorneys, county executives and other experts to devise a list of recommendations. Among them:
Substitute less expensive generic drugs for name brands when possible;
Allow local district attorneys to prosecute Medicaid fraud cases;
Reinstate the use of finger imaging, face to face interviews and asset/resource tests to determine eligibility;
Allow counties access to the state Medicaid data warehouse to uncover billing patterns that may suggest fraud or the overutilization of services;
Empower counties to recover and keep tax dollars lost to Medicaid fraud and waste.
Share this Article or Press Release
Newsroom
Go to NewsroomSeward Plays Key Role in Review of Economic Plans
October 20, 2015
![From left: Senator James L. Seward, NYS Environmental Facilities Corporation President & CEO Sabrina Ty, U.S. Department of Commerce Northeast Regional Director James Cox, National Urban League President Marc Morial, and NYS Commissioner of Taxation and Finance Jerry Boone.](/sites/default/files/styles/760x377/public/economic_development_review_-_10-20-15.jpg?itok=BFoxPtb0)
![](/sites/default/files/styles/760x377/public/web_7.jpg?itok=r-YWhJgN)
Seward Christens New Boat Launch
October 2, 2015
![Senator Seward helps officially dedicate the new universally accessible cartop boat launch site along the Susquehanna River in Portlandville. From left, Otsego County Conservation Association Executive Director Darla Youngs, DEC Operations Supervisor Brian Layman, Senator James Seward, Goodyear Lake Association President Dave Pickup.](/sites/default/files/styles/760x377/public/Launch%201.jpg?itok=N5eV5pc-)