U.S. attorney sues New York City over Medicaid

[The Straight Story]

The U.S. attorney for the Southern District of New York sued New York City on Tuesday for civil penalties and damages "of at least tens of millions of dollars" over its Medicaid program.

From 2000 to 2010, some patients wrongly received "continuous" or 24-hour home care while others who should have such extra help did not.

"The City's alleged conduct has resulted in patients receiving more services through the program than necessary or warranted by their condition, resulting in substantial additional costs to taxpayers," U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara said in a statement.

New York City has one of the nation's costliest and most generous programs for Medicaid, which provides health care for the elderly, poor and disabled.

New York state is one of the few states that forces its counties -- including New York City -- to share some of the cost. The state's governors for years have vowed to root out fraud and mismanagement in Medicaid, which costs New York state about $1 billion a day.

http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE70A5T620110111

[jwirr]

1. I do not know what this is about but having worked with Senior Home

Health Care I know that it is a matter of asking sometimes. You will have a family how hears about the program and does not want the stranger to come into their home to help or they do not want a parent to take "welfare". Also some do not know about it. Most of the people I worked with found out from their doctor. Not many who came on their own.