House Bill 355 focuses on Medicaid fraud

Representative Jim Hughes, R-Clintonville, is sponsoring House Bill 355 which seeks to enhance the tools to combat Medicaid fraud.  This legislation includes provisions that mirror federal regulations such as whisteblower provisions for people who identify fraudulent practices.   For example, it will allow whistleblowers to keep between 25 and 30 percent of any settlement award.  The bill also grants authority for the state to pusue civil action against providers who submit fraudulent claims (Source:"Bill aims to thwart Medicaid fraud," The Enquirer, April 9, 2008). 

This legislation is generating concerns from providers.  According to Mary Gallagher, vice president and general counsel for the Ohio Hospital Association, “We think the bill is unnecessary because it duplicates so many other current state and federal laws that do the same thing.”