AG Cameron announces new online form to report Medicaid fraud, patient abuse

August 8, 2020 | 12:08 am

Updated August 7, 2020 | 10:32 pm

Graphic by Owensboro Times

Attorney General Daniel Cameron on Friday announced a new tool for reporting suspected Medicaid fraud and patient abuse to his office. Kentuckians can now electronically report abuse, neglect, and exploitation by completing an online complaint form located at ag.ky.gov/medicaidfraud.

“Providers who fraudulently bill Medicaid for healthcare goods and services steal taxpayers dollars and can endanger the health and welfare of beneficiaries,” Cameron said. “We want to ensure our seniors are treated with dignity and respect by making it easier for Kentuckians to report suspected fraud and abuse. This new resource quickly provides us with the information we need to investigate claims and to prosecute those guilty of harming our seniors and Medicaid recipients.”

The new form allows Kentuckians to submit complaints from electronic devices, including smart phones, computers and tablets. The fillable form permits users to select complaints related to Medicaid fraud, patient abuse, or both. It prompts them to provide information related to their selected complaint, including the Medicaid facility, the healthcare provider’s information, the patient’s name, and the suspected abuser’s name.

While Kentuckians are encouraged to report as many details as possible, the form allows the reporting party to choose to include their name or to remain anonymous.

Completed forms are sent to the Attorney General’s Office of Medicaid Fraud and Abuse Control for further review, investigation, and, if appropriate, prosecution. 

Kentuckians may also report suspected Medicaid fraud and abuse by calling the hotline at 1-877-228-7384.

Kentucky law requires any person who knows or has reasonable cause to believe that Medicaid fraud or abuse is being committed to report it to the Medicaid Fraud and Abuse Hotline. Any person who reports the offenses of another in good faith is given immunity from civil or criminal action. Any person who makes a good-faith report is protected from discharge, discrimination, or retaliation in the workplace.

The Office of Medicaid Fraud and Abuse investigates and prosecutes those guilty of patient abuse and medical provider fraud, including caregivers, medical doctors, dentists, hospitals, nursing homes, pharmacies, durable medical equipment sellers, ambulance companies, taxis, or any company who bills the Kentucky Medical Assistance Program for healthcare goods or services provided to Medicaid beneficiaries.

Both state and federal law provide for criminal and civil penalties against individuals who engage in Medicaid fraud and abuse.

August 8, 2020 | 12:08 am

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