State auditor uncovers Medicaid overpayments

According to an audit by state Auditor Mary Taylor, medical-equipment supplier Advanced Medical Concept Inc. of  Wheelersburg overbilled Ohio's health-insurance program for the poor, blind and disabled by $500,000. (Source: "Company erred in billing Medicaid, owes $500,000," Columbus Dispatch, March 12, 2008.) Taylor's audit states the company "charged the state more than once for the same service, submitted altered documents to support claims and charged amounts higher than allowed under Ohio's Medicaid Program. The company is disputing the findings. According to the Dispatch article, "Since taking office in January 2007, Taylor's office has uncovered $1.46 million in overpayments to six Medicaid providers, including Advanced Medical Concept, which provides respiratory therapy services and durable medical equipment to Medicaid recipients in nursing homes."