As part of a broader, revamped Medicaid reform bill, Governor Bill Walker’s administration is proposing new ways to cut down on waste and fraud in Alaska’s Medicaid program.
House Bill 190, which aims to curb and contain costs withing Medicaid, was introduced at the end of the legislature’s last regular session in 2015.
Additionally it would set up civil penalties for false Medicaid claims, allowing individuals who bring false claims to the attention of the attorney general to receive some of the proceeds if the case is pursued.
State Health Commissioner Valerie Davidson says that system would increase the amount of people looking for fraud.
House Bill 190 and another Medicaid reform bill which also includes fraud prevention measures were heard by the Senate Finance Committee Wednesday.
Senate Finance referred both bills to a special subcommittee tasked with reviewing and bringing recommendations back to Senate Finance members.