Senator Gallivan says Department of Health Must Do More to Prevent Medicaid Billing Errors

Senator Patrick M. Gallivan (R-C, Elma) says a just released audit by the Office of the New York State Comptroller illustrates the need for enhanced controls and Medicaid billing procedures by the Department of Health.  The report by Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli says the health department’s Medicaid claims processing system made $965 million in improper payments to providers between January 2015 and December 2019.

The audit found payments were made to various providers and facilities who were no longer actively enrolled in the health care program, including those who had been barred due to misconduct.

“The Department of Health must do a better job of reviewing and processing Medicaid claims to prevent these costly errors,” Senator Gallivan said.  “These mistakes not only cost taxpayers millions of dollars, they allow providers who are not authorized to provide services to treat Medicaid patients, including those involved in improper behavior or wrongdoing in the past.”

The New York State Medicaid program provides a range of medical services to approximately 7.3 million low-income New Yorkers and those who have special health care needs. Medicaid claims totaled $68.1 billion for the state Fiscal Year that ended March 31, 2021.

Senator Gallivan is the Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Health. 

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