Medicaid Abuse Bill Passes, but not Without Debate, Amendments
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Medicaid Abuse Bill Passes, but not Without Debate, Amendments

Date: February 6, 2007
By: Micah Wiener
State Capitol Bureau
Links:

HB 353

 Intro: The Missouri House passed a bill Tuesday which toughens the penalties for those convicted of medicaid fraud and abuse. Micah Wiener has more from Jefferson City:

The bill would make it a felony to make false statements about cases involving fraud.

The bill also states that any person who offers original information used to prosucute Medicade fruad will recieve ten percent of any money recovered by the attorney general.

St. Joeseph Republican Representative Robert Schaaf is the bill's sponsor.

 

Actuality:  SCHAAF1.WAV
Run Time: 00:14
Description: "It gives whistle blowers an incentive to report fraud and it protects them when they do, with stiff penalties for employers when they try to seek revenge.  House Bill 353 will be a strict and effective law that will fight fraud."

The bill originally faced some opposition in the House, but after several ammendments, it passed easily. 

From the Capitol, I'm Micah Wiener.

 RunTime:
OutCue: SOC

Intro:  The Missouri House passed a bill Tuesday that strengthens penalties for those who make false statements in cases involving Medicaid fraud.  Micah Wiener reports from the Capitol.

The bill also states that any person offering original information to prosucute Medicade fraud will recieve ten percent of any money recovered by the Attorney General.

This "Whistle Blower" protection also prevents an employer from descriminating against an employee for participating with authorities. 

Kansas City Area Representative John Burnett supports the bill, but says he is not totally happy with the legislation.

 

 

Actuality:  BURNETT2.WAV
Run Time: 00:13
Description: "It's a good bill.  It doesn't go nearly far enough.  It's sort of a toothless watchdog, the idea is good, but the sanctions we put in the bill don't go far enough to accomplish anything."

Burnett also says that he is disappointed his ammendment proposing even greater rights for whistle blowers was not approved.

The bill now will go before the Senate, where it faces hours of debate.

From Jefferson City, I'm Micah Wiener