Nebraska Auditor Reveals Systemic Medicaid Fraud Issues

Nebraska State Auditor Mike Foley has uncovered significant fraud within the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services' personal assistance and personal care services programs. The audit revealed that some providers billed for services while incarcerated, working other full-time jobs, or being out of state, with Omaha-based agency Murray's Blessings implicated in receiving over $1 million in reimbursements suspected of fraud. It described instances of billing for 24-hour days and impossibly long work hours, highlighting systemic issues and the need for better oversight and internal controls. Despite these findings, Foley expressed confidence in DHHS CEO Steve Corsi's commitment to implementing necessary reforms. The first audit report was released in February, marking this as the second occurrence of identified issues within a year. Foley emphasizes the need for urgent reforms to protect taxpayer money and ensure services reach those in need.