Why Does Missouri Prosecute Medicaid Fraud When It's Federal Welfare?

Medicaid is a state-administered healthcare program for the indigent and disabled funded jointly by the states and the federal government, according to Missouri Attorney General Chris Koster's website.

“One of my top priorities as Attorney General is to enforce our laws against those who take advantage of Missouri taxpayers by committing Medicaid fraud,” Koster said.

The settlement restitution in these fraud cases is typically a significant amount of money to be returned to taxpayers, and should serve as notice to companies and others that the Attorney General’s Medicaid Fraud Unit will continue to hold them accountable, in a paraphrase from Koster's website.

Koster said citizens should report suspected Medicaid provider fraud or abuse and neglect to the Medicaid Fraud Hotline toll free at 800-286-3932; email the complaint or complete a complaint form at the Attorney General’s Medicaid Fraud Website.