Attorney General's News Release

June 29, 2010

Missouri again gains national attention in Medicaid fraud recovery -- state ranks among top five in five important categories --

Jefferson City, Mo.-Attorney General Chris Koster said today that Missouri has again gained high marks for its Medicaid fraud recovery efforts, ranking in the top five in the nation in five important areas for 2009.  According to information from the US Department of Health and Human Services' Office of Inspector General, Missouri ranked:

• 1st in the nation for Dollar Recovery per Conviction, Judgment or Settlement, with an average of more than $4.5 million per resolution.
• 2nd in the nation for Dollar Recovery per staff person working in Medicaid fraud recovery, with a recovery of $3.1 million per staff person.  
• 2nd in the nation for Dollar Recovery per Grant Dollar.  Missouri recovered $36.75 per federal grant dollar received, just behind Connecticut who recovered $38.89.  The third-ranking state recovered $18.85 per federal grant dollar.
• 3rd in the nation for Total Dollar Recovery per Population.  Missouri's Medicaid Fraud Control Unit recovered $9.84 for each Missourian, just under the top two states' recoveries of $10.75 and $10.67 per citizen.
• 5th in the nation for Total Dollar Recoveries.  Only California, New York, Florida and Texas, much larger states with much larger staffs, recovered more in total dollars than Missouri.

"In these times of dwindling state budgets, recovering Medicaid funds back for the state is like a windfall of money," Koster said.  "Missouri's Medicaid Fraud Control Unit prides itself for being efficient, creative, aggressive, and extremely hard-working, keys to our state's success.  We pledge to continue doing all we can to uncover money stolen from the Medicaid system and return it to the state's health-care system."

Koster said the Attorney General's Medicaid Fraud Control Unit reaches out to state agencies that oversee Medicaid programs; hospitals and other large health providers; and other states to obtain leads on possible Medicaid fraud.  

The Attorney General said citizens should report suspected Medicaid provider fraud or abuse and neglect to his Medicaid Fraud Hotline toll free at 800-286-3932, e-mail the complaint to attorney.general@ago.mo.gov or complete a complaint form at the Attorney General's Medicaid Fraud Website.