Monterey, CA Medicare Fraud Busts Gaining Momentum : View From A Private Duty Caregiver

A nationwide crackdown on Medicare fraud gained momentum this week, with federal agents sweeping in to arrest 107 doctors, nurses and social workers in seven cities, including Los Angeles, for allegedly submitting $452 million in false claims to Medicare for reimbursement.  This is the largest amount ever charged in one single bust, close to a half a billion dollars.  I'm thankful that Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius and Attorney General Eric Holder were given more funds to fight fraud starting in 2009.  It's been proven that every dollar invested in this type of fraud prevention gives taxpayers a significant return.  I hope to see more of it.  The more times that people are stopped in their tracks from committing this type of fraud, the more money that will be leftover to pay money to senior citizens with legitimate medical problems.  With politicians scrambling to reduce Medicare expenditures, this seems like a prudent way to do it.  And if this gets more publicity, it may cause others to think twice before submitting false claims.