Sen. Scott Flippo’s (R-Bull Shoals) | www.facebook.com/Flippo4ARSenate
Sen. Scott Flippo’s (R-Bull Shoals) | www.facebook.com/Flippo4ARSenate
Sen. Scott Flippo’s (R-Bull Shoals) Senate Bill 295, which would promote welfare program integrity, is headed to the governor’s desk.
If signed by Gov. Asa Hutchinson, the measure will allow accurate information in determining correct Medicaid beneficiaries. The legislation will require data validation on lottery or other gambling winnings that may make an individual ineligible for assistance, deceased beneficiaries and possible fraud cases of unemployment assistance.
“The state of Arkansas has lost millions of dollars to waste and fraud in its welfare programs," the bill reads. "Inadequate eligibility verification policies have failed to maintain program integrity. As demand for public assistance remains high due to economic uncertainties and closures related to the COVID-19 pandemic, protecting limited resources for the needy is critical.”
SB 295 will additionally enhance data cross-referencing, recipient information verification, and review of recipient’s age, residence, citizenship, employment, application for employment, and income, subject to a monthly review by the Department of Human Services, except when prohibited by federal law. It passed the House 76-17.
In 2020 the Office of the Medicaid Inspector General (OMIB) audited Medicaid spending and identified $2.43 million in improperly paid claims in Arkansas, including lottery winners and deceased individuals who received benefits.
OMIB also reported that 64 cases were opened for fraud investigation for fiscal year 2020.
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