Jansen teams with Michigan Home Health Association on fraud solutions
LANSING--Last week, federal agents made several arrests in a set of three indictments on individuals involved in home care agencies in southeast Michigan, alleging a total of $28 million in fraudulent billings to Medicare. Similar arrests in recent months demonstrate that no area of Michigan is free of the threat of fraud and abuse.
“Health care fraud impacts all citizens,” said state Sen. Mark C. Jansen, chairman of the Senate Reforms, Restructuring, and Reinventing Committee and sponsor of Senate Bill 221, which would license home care services. “I commend the FBI, together with state and local law enforcement, for aggressively pursuing criminals involved in Medicare fraud. There is no one solution, and I am proud to add my bill to the effort as we all work together to fight these crimes.”
Jill Roby-Snyder, president of the Michigan Home Health Association (MHHA), praised Jansen’s efforts.
“Senator Jansen has been a wonderful partner working to improve the integrity and ethics of the home care industry. We appreciate his support to help keep vulnerable citizens safely in their home,” said Roby-Snyder.
MHHA is the state association representing the home care industry in Michigan.
“All segments of the home care industry are affected by fraud and abuse,” Roby-Snyder said. “MHHA has a long history responding to fraud and abuse problems in our industry.”
In addition to working with Jansen to draft SB 221, MHHA’s response to fraud and abuse includes the following: relationships with the FBI Special Health Care Fraud Unit to provide training and whistleblower opportunity for legitimate providers; supporting passage of criminal background check legislation for home care workers; education about fraud and abuse; interface on compliance issues with state and federal regulatory agencies; providing training workshops on home care industry standards and compliance; and continuous review of the Standards of Practice for each of MHHA’s provider auspices (certified home health, hospice, private duty, home medical equipment and pharmacy-infusion).
Kristyn Gall, a member of the MHHA Anti-Fraud and Abuse Task Force and co-owner of Optimal Care, Inc. in Bingham Farms, pointed out other areas susceptible to fraud.
“The problem of fraud and abuse is not limited to Medicare as similar problems occur for Medicaid, insurance reimbursement and private pay,” said Gall. “MHHA has demonstrated a commitment to design and engage in strategies to respond to suspected fraud and abuse.”
To report fraud and abuse, call the federal Office of Inspector General, 800-447-8477 or 800-HHS-TIPS, or visit www.stopmedicarefraud.gov.
Posted: Friday, September 09, 2011
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