New Audit Shows Medicaid Fraud in Virginia Costs State $21 Million

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Isbella Diaz
WMAL.com

WASHINGTON — (WMAL) A new audit has found widespread waste and fraud in the Virginia Medicaid program.

The audit revealed that people in the state have been able to enroll in Medicaid by simply claiming to have no income, with no questions asked.

This resulted in Virginia spending at least $21 million last year alone on benefits for unqualified recipients.

The audit also faulted the “passive” approach of the state when it came to recovering funds from deceased Medicaid patients’ estates.

These revelations come just days after Gov. Terry McAuliffe said he would continue to push for the expansion of Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act, despite the GOP’s control of the Virginia House and Senate.

The audit was conducted by the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission.

Copyright 2015 by WMAL.com. All Rights Reserved. (PHOTO: Flickr/Images Money)

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