Wednesday, July 12, 2006
Contact: Spence Jackson, 573-751-0290
Statement from Gov. Matt Blunt on Intent to Call Special Session
House members have requested the governor call a special session to address issues left undone during the regular session.
“We have brought the issue of fraud in our social welfare system to the forefront of reform efforts. I have called on the Missouri House of Representatives previously to pass a tough Medicaid Provider Fraud Bill to combat Medicaid providers who cheat taxpayers. Today I am renewing that call.
“Fighting Medicaid Fraud and providing a transitional benefit through Medicaid are important issues. If the House were to tell me that they are ready to pass a strong Medicaid fraud bill similar to the one the Senate passed and that I supported, I would be willing to call a special session to deal with both issues.
“Our commitment to crack down on fraud, waste and abuse has led to numerous provider fraud case referrals to the attorney general and has saved taxpayers millions. We must continue this ongoing effort to ensure the state’s generous taxpayer funded assistance benefits those truly in need.”
Even without legislation, Blunt has already introduced significant safeguards to combat fraud in Missouri’s social welfare programs. He directed the Department of Social Services to conduct eligibility checks before adding new people to the rolls and to annually verify that those receiving benefits are truly eligible. These changes coupled with other actions enabled Blunt’s administration to recognize more than $138 million in savings for Missouri taxpayers.
The administration also led the effort to end a wasteful and overpriced contract with a services provider that was costing taxpayers more than $40 million per year, due in part to a poorly written contract by the previous administration. Blunt’s administration entered into a new agreement with better provisions for Missouri taxpayers with a different provider and as a result saved the state nearly $15 million annually.
Blunt supports ongoing legislative efforts to rewrite Missouri’s social welfare programs and advocates utilizing technology to help improve the healthcare service delivery. The budget he signed this year included $25 million to create the first ever Healthcare Technology Trust fund.
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