Addressing Medicaid fraud is a multi-sided problem

On Behalf of | Oct 16, 2017 | Medicare and Medicaid Fraud

Medicaid fraud is a serious problem, because it takes funds away from those who need it most. Medicaid enrollment is monitored, but in some states, double-checking those who are receiving benefits can quickly identify those who are making false claims and save millions of dollars.

Multiple states, including Florida, are taking steps to make sure those who receive Medicaid are qualified. These welfare benefits typically have eligibility checkups, but now, they’ll be more common and more rigorous. Supporters of this increased monitoring state that fraud will be found out with more research, while others think that making it harder to enroll will hurt people more than it helps.

In one state, for example, people are given as few as 10 days to respond with information when it’s requested of them. If they can’t get it in that time frame or don’t submit it, then they lose their benefits. Sadly, many people miss the request and lose their benefits. That means they have to re-enroll, which takes more manpower.

Eligibility checks for Medicaid typically come once a year, in accordance with federal law. Recipients usually have to prove their incomes and show that they’re residents of their states and citizens of the United States.

If you’re accused of Medicaid fraud, a white collar crime, take the allegations seriously. You should collect all evidence to support your claim and be sure to give updated information to your attorney if necessary. With the right support, you can seek your benefits and possibly regain them, so you don’t have to go without or face an unnecessary trial.

Source: PBS Newshour, “What happens when states go hunting for Medicaid fraud,” Jen Fifield, accessed Oct. 16, 2017

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