By Hank Russell
A bill introduced by U.S. Congressman Anthony D’Esposito (R-Garden City) that he says would protect Medicaid recipients recently passed the House of Representatives and is now on its way to the U.S. Senate.
The Medicaid Integrity Act would amend Title XIX of the Social Security Act to further require certain additional provider screenings under the Medicaid program. As part of the provider enrollment and re-enrollment process, state Medicaid programs would be required to check whether certain providers have stopped participating in the federal or state Medicare program, or the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). This would be accomplished by using certain databases such as the Data EXchange system.
Lastly, the bill would also require states to continue to check these databases at least once a month after providers have been enrolled.
D’Esposito said he was glad to see his bill pass. “The Medicaid Integrity Act strengthens Medicaid [and] ensures high-quality care by making it harder for greedy actors to exploit those who rely on this vital program,” he posted on social media.