Luzerne Times

Pennsylvania Attorney General Michelle Henry has announced arrests and convictions for over $800,000 in Medicaid fraud, expressing her commitment to hold accountable those who steal from Pennsylvania's most vulnerable residents. Reflecting this commitment, Representative Mike Cabell has introduced House Bill 876, which aims to increase the state's ability to detect and prevent fraud by requiring Medicaid providers to use the National Provider Identifier (NPI) or State Provider Identifier (SPI) when filing claims.

House Bill 876 is based on recommendations from a Grand Jury in 2019, which received praise from then Attorney General Josh Shapiro for its comprehensive and manageable recommendations for fraud prevention. Representative Cabell emphasizes the importance of this bill, stating, "This is a commonsense bill that will make it easier for investigators to detect fraud." The legislation has already received bipartisan support and has advanced from the House Human Services and Rules committees.

Governor Shapiro has previously expressed support for the use of National and State Provider Identification Numbers as part of a broader effort to ensure program integrity and combat fraud. In 2020, Shapiro estimated the total amount of fraud to be around $3 billion, and it is likely that this number has only increased since then. Representative Seth Grove, the House Republican Appropriations Chairman, highlights the significance of targeting fraud at the provider level, stating, "Stopping fraud at the provider level yields higher savings and less potential for further fraud."

The proposed bill, House Bill 876, has the potential to significantly impact the conviction rate for Medicaid fraud in Pennsylvania. By requiring the use of National and State Provider Identification Numbers, investigators will have an easier time detecting fraudulent claims. This will not only lead to more arrests and convictions but also act as a deterrent to those who might consider defrauding the Medicaid system.

With the bill having received support from both Representative Cabell and Governor Shapiro, there is optimism that it will be passed when the House returns to session in December. This legislation represents a crucial step in the ongoing fight against Medicaid fraud in Pennsylvania, ensuring that those who exploit the system for personal gain are held accountable.

For media inquiries, please contact Andy Briggs at 717-260-6474 or via email at abriggs@pahousegop.com. Additional information can be found on Representative Cabell's website at RepCabell.com or on his Facebook page at Facebook.com/RepMikeCabell. For inquiries related to Representative Seth Grove, please contact Charlie O'Neill at 717.260.6121 or via email at coneill@pahousegop.com. More information is available on Representative Grove's website at RepGrove.com or on his Facebook page at Facebook.com/RepSethGrove.

Click this link to access more information: https://www.repcabell.com/News/33231/Latest-News/Cabell-National-Provider-Identification-Bill-Could-Increase-Pennsylvania-Attorney-General%E2%80%99s-Conviction-Rate