PMHC Issues Statement Supporting Expansion of Medicaid Fraud Control

WASHINGTON, D.C. (May 16, 2017)—David J. Totaro, Chairman of the Partnership for Medicaid Home-Based Care (PMHC), issued the following statement with the release of a letter by the Partnership for Medicaid Home-Based Care to Health and Human Services Secretary Tom Price:

“The National Association of Attorneys General recently issued a letter calling for an expansion of Medicaid fraud control authority to encompass any instances of abuse or neglect suffered by Medicaid-covered individuals, whether they are served in facilities or home-based settings. PMHC strongly concurs with the Attorneys General that the safety and security of individuals in Medicaid is of paramount importance, and we used this occasion to reiterate our strong support for action to protect them from fraud, abuse or neglect of any form, in any setting and from any type of caregiver.

“PMHC has consistently condemned fraud abuse, and neglect and has called for targeted and enforceable measures to strengthen program integrity. In our letter to the Secretary, we urged the adoption of reforms that we believe would do much to strengthen the integrity of Medicaid home-based care and safeguard those who receive and depend upon it. Specifically, we recommend Medicaid program improvements that relate to the newly-enacted Electronic Visit Verification (EVV) system, direct care safeguards, and payment integrity reforms.

“We are confident that these targeted policies will protect Medicaid consumers, taxpayers and providers while also improving our nation’s ability to prevent fraud and abuse before it occurs.”

The Partnership for Medicaid Home-Based Care (PMHC) is comprised of organizations representing providers, associations, payers and business affiliates who have come together to improve the quality and integrity of Medicaid funded home- and community-based services (HCBS). Recognizing the integral role of home- and community-based care in the Medicaid program, PMHC is dedicated to advancing and supporting public policies that bring accountability to and secure the Medicaid program for care recipients and taxpayers alike.

Members of the Partnership for Medicaid Home-Based Care include Addus HomeCare, Inc., All Metro Health Care, Anthem, BAYADA Home Health Care, CareCentrix, Caring Associates, Inc., CellTrak Technologies, Inc., Centene Corporation, Consumer Direct Care Network, Council of State Home Care Associations, HHAeXchange, Home Care Association of America, Interim HealthCare Inc., LHC Group, Inc., Molina Healthcare, Inc., ResCare Home Care, Sandata, Sutter Care at Home, VNA Health Group, and WellCare Health Plans.