More than 100 cases have been filed in a statewide crackdown on Medi-Cal schemes that defrauded the public health insurance program out of over $4.5 million dollars, California Attorney General Rob Bonta announced Thursday.
The probe targeted California’s in-home supportive services program providers who unlawfully billed Medi-Cal, claiming hours for care while the member was admitted to an acute care hospital or skilled nursing facility, also paid for by Medi-Cal.
The 103 cases filed throughout the state included defendants living in Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside and San Diego counties.
“By enabling parents to care for their adult children with disabilities and allowing elderly individuals to age in place, IHSS provides a vital lifeline for families across the state,” Bonta said in a statement. “We are here to protect that lifeline.
“This isn’t a political game for us. This is about protecting taxpayer dollars, protecting the programs that sick and vulnerable Californians rely on, and protecting our state. While the alleged fraud represents a small fraction of California’s $30 billion IHSS budget, any abuse of Medi-Cal jeopardizes funding for our most vulnerable residents.
“This statewide enforcement action ensures the integrity of the IHSS program so that every individual who genuinely needs care receives it. It is proof that we have taken a firm stand to investigate, prosecute and shut down Medi-Cal fraud wherever it exists.”
The IHSS program, funded through Medi-Cal, serves over 900,000 seniors and individuals with disabilities annually, allowing beneficiaries to remain in their homes rather than entering long-term nursing facilities.