Senator Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) has expressed concern over Medicare fraud data showing that despite increased federal spending to fight fraud, the number of criminal prosecutions for healthcare fraud has been stagnant, according to a news release.
Sen. Grassley points to data showing that although the number of HEAT criminal investigations has grown from 30-82 from FY 2008 to FY 2009, the total nationwide number of criminal healthcare fraud convictions has decreased.
Additionally, he cites data demonstrating the conviction rate for criminal healthcare fraud cases has decreased dramatically. Of the 803 criminal defendants charged in FY 2009, only 583 were convicted or plea bargained. Previous conviction rates topped 90 percent, whereas this FY 2009 data represents a 72 percent conviction rate.
Sen. Grassley is calling on the Attorney General and Secretary of Health & Human Services to account for the way their departments allocate and utilize taxpayer money aimed at combating healthcare fraud.
Read the news release about Sen. Grassley's concern over Medicare fraud data.
Read other coverage about Sen. Grassley:
- Small Medical Device Manufacturers, Pharmaceutical Companies and Distributors Show Support for GPOs
- Senate Health Reform Bill Requires Non-Profit Hospitals to Write Charity Policies
- Baucus, Grassley Agree to Drop Physician-Owned Hospitals as Offset From Upcoming Bill
Sen. Grassley points to data showing that although the number of HEAT criminal investigations has grown from 30-82 from FY 2008 to FY 2009, the total nationwide number of criminal healthcare fraud convictions has decreased.
Additionally, he cites data demonstrating the conviction rate for criminal healthcare fraud cases has decreased dramatically. Of the 803 criminal defendants charged in FY 2009, only 583 were convicted or plea bargained. Previous conviction rates topped 90 percent, whereas this FY 2009 data represents a 72 percent conviction rate.
Sen. Grassley is calling on the Attorney General and Secretary of Health & Human Services to account for the way their departments allocate and utilize taxpayer money aimed at combating healthcare fraud.
Read the news release about Sen. Grassley's concern over Medicare fraud data.
Read other coverage about Sen. Grassley:
- Small Medical Device Manufacturers, Pharmaceutical Companies and Distributors Show Support for GPOs
- Senate Health Reform Bill Requires Non-Profit Hospitals to Write Charity Policies
- Baucus, Grassley Agree to Drop Physician-Owned Hospitals as Offset From Upcoming Bill