Mich. Officials Note Health Care Reform Bills, Including the Fight Against False Claims

Michigan Attorney General Mike Cox, Rep. David Law (R-Commerce Township) and Rep. Roger Kahn, M.D. (R-Saginaw Township) have unveiled health care reform legislation designed to protect consumers
from rising prescription drug prices, as well as to help the State curb
Medicaid fraud.

On the fraud front, the Medicaid Whistleblower Protection Statute, sponsored by Law, would amend the Medicaid False Claims Act to provide whistleblowers with legal protection. This bill also will provide financial incentive to those persons willing to bring a civil suit against and assist in the investigation and prosecution of a violator of the Medicaid False Claims Act.

“Fraudulent claims cost the state millions of dollars every year,” said
Law. “People with the courage to come forward with examples of Medicaid fraud need to be protected from workplace discrimination and should be rewarded, not punished, for their part in enforcing the law. I look forward to continuing to work with Attorney General Cox to get this important legislation enacted.”

“In these tough budget times, preventing Medicaid fraud is an essential measure to save the hard-earned dollars of Michigan consumers,” noted Cox.

Both bills will be introduced to the Michigan House of Representatives.