Skelos Holds Senate Hearing On Medicaid Fraud At Hofstra
“Medicaid fraud is stealing billions of dollars from
By far,
During the 2005 legislative session, the Senate introduced and passed legislation (S.3685-B) authored by Senator Skelos to establish an independent Office of Medicaid Inspector General. The purpose of such an office is to integrate, consolidate and coordinate the investigation of Medicaid fraud related activities of state and local governments within the state and, where necessary, to coordinate or contribute to the prosecution of fraud. Unfortunately, this legislation was never voted upon by the State Assembly.
While the Governor issued an Executive Order establishing an Office of Medicaid Inspector General last August, this office lacks the power to aggressively investigate fraud or recovery improper payments.
In addition, Senator Skelos and Congressman John Sweeney (
Today’s hearing was the second conducted by the State Senate. At the hearing testimony was given by Brian Flood, Inspector General, Texas Health and Human Services Commission; Mary Kay Owens, President/Consultant Pharmacist, Southeaster Consultants, Inc.; Henry Zwack, General Counsel, New York State Office for Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services; Gary Miles, former District Attorney, St. Lawrence County, New York; C. Scott Vanderhoef, County Executive, Rockland County, New York; Richard Urra; Litigation Counsel, WellCare Health Plans, Inc.
In his testimony, the Texas Inspector General noted that, through the creation of his office,
Currently, Senator Skelos is developing a comprehensive new plan to fight Medicaid fraud. This new legislation is scheduled for release in two weeks.
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