What We Know: Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway is urging Congress to give states more power to fight Medicaid fraud.
What It Means: Hanaway joined attorneys general from 16 other states in asking lawmakers to quickly pass the STOP FRAUD in Medicaid Act. She says the legislation would help states crack down on fraud and better protect taxpayer dollars.
Right now, state Medicaid Fraud Control Units are generally limited to investigating healthcare providers. The proposed legislation would expand that authority, allowing states to also investigate and prosecute Medicaid beneficiaries and recipients who commit fraud.
What’s Next: Hanaway says the bill would give states another tool to go after people who exploit the Medicaid system for personal gain.
Federal officials say Medicaid Fraud Control Units continue to produce strong results. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General, the units recovered nearly $2 billion in criminal and civil cases during fiscal year 2025. That’s a return of more than $4.60 for every dollar invested.
Missouri’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit investigates fraud involving Medicaid providers and also handles cases involving abuse, neglect and financial exploitation in Medicaid-funded facilities. The unit is supported by both federal and state funding.
Sixteen other states signed the letter alongside Missouri, calling on Congress to move the legislation forward as soon as possible.
(Photo provided by Mo.gov)