An annual report outlining fraud control activities in the nation’s Medicaid facilities portends a challenging year ahead.
There were more than 1,300 open investigations into patient abuse, neglect or fraud at skilled nursing facilities at the end of 2022, the Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General revealed in mid-March.
That was, far and away, the most among inpatient and residential providers.
Providers should expect more enforcement activity in 2023 from Medicaid Fraud Control Units as various state and federal enforcement entities continue to ramp back up after COVID.
“Agencies typically prioritize situations where resident harm has occurred or there are clear risks to the heath, safety and well-being of facility residents. I have no doubt that similar kinds of concerns will drive enforcement going forward,” warned Jesse Berg, a partner with Lathrop GPM’s Minneapolis office.
