The Front Page
ATTORNEY GENERAL ABBOTT’S MEDICAID FRAUD UNIT UNCOVERS MULTI-MILLION DOLLAR SCHEME; 33 INDICTED
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| HOUSTON - Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott announced multiple indictments and arrests in connection with a six-month investigation by the Office of Attorney General’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit (MFCU) into a fraudulent scheme that allegedly cost taxpayers more than $7.7 million. Prosecutors with Harris County District Attorney Chuck Rosenthal’s office presented information to a Harris County grand jury, which handed down indictments against 28 men and five women for felony theft. The MFCU’s investigation focused on 32 businesses in Harris County that billed Medicaid for adult diapers, wheelchairs, and other medical supplies. According to the indictments, the suspects accepted reimbursements, based on those billings, for supplies that were never delivered to Medicaid patients. The case was referred to the Office of Attorney General by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission, which received complaints against the providers.
“Texas will not tolerate criminals who defraud taxpayers,” said Attorney General Abbott. “The Medicaid program is designed to help the neediest Texans, including children and seniors, with basic health care services. Thanks to an outstanding joint effort by officers from our Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, the Harris County Sheriff’s Department and the Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Department, a scam that harmed Medicaid recipients and wasted taxpayer dollars has been shut down.” Attorney General Abbott added: “We commend the Texas Health and Human Services Commission for bringing this case to our attention, and we are grateful to Harris County District Attorney Chuck Rosenthal for vigorously prosecuting these criminals.” Last July, the Attorney General’s office deployed 27 MFCU investigators and eight investigative auditors to the Houston area to investigate these fraud allegations. Personnel from the Office of Attorney General conducted more than 1,200 interviews and prepared numerous investigative reports that supported the district attorney’s appearance before the grand jury Monday. (The names of those arrested, as well as their businesses, are included as a separate attachment.) In 2005 alone, the costs of the Medicaid program in Texas totaled more than $17 billion. As the state’s chief law enforcement official, Attorney General Abbott has dramatically expanded the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit to save more taxpayer dollars and increase protection for Texas seniors. The Unit has established field offices in Corpus Christi, Dallas, El Paso, Houston, Lubbock, McAllen, San Antonio and Tyler through authorization and funding from the 77th Texas Legislature. Attorney General Abbott’s MFCU works with state and local agencies across the state to identify and prosecute those who defraud Medicaid. Attorney General Abbott’s MFCU was honored in 2004 by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services with the Inspector General’s State Fraud Award for effectiveness and efficiency during federal fiscal year 2003 in combating fraud, patient abuse and neglect in the Medicaid program. To obtain more information about the Attorney General’s efforts to fight Medicaid fraud, access the agency’s Web site at www.oag.state.tx.us. |
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Football Season Not Over For Some
It sure is starting to feel more like basketball and stock show weather with the Arctic front that blew in late Wednesday but for some this is football playoff weather .
Santa Anna's Dick Smith, Defensive Coordinator of the Defending Class 3A State Champion Wimberly Texans, and the famous Code Red Defense are still in the hunt for another State Championship. Coach Smith and the 11-1 Texans will face a tough 12-0 second ranked team from Cuero for the Regional Semifinals this Friday at 7:00 PM in the climate controlled San Antonio Alamodome. Dick and Karen Wetsel Smith's son, Cody is the ball boy for the Texans as well.
The Texans beat Medina Valley easily last week by a score of 52-7 with 452 yards of total offense including 327 yards passing on 17 of 17 passes and two touchdowns.
In other area action Rusty Buzzard's Coleman Bluecats continue to move as they beat the team from Ozona in San Angelo last Friday by a score of 23-7. The Bluecats will face the Stratford Elks Friday at 7:30 PM at Lubbock's Lowery Field.
The Wylie Bulldogs fell out of the playoff's in a tough game against Canyon at Lowery Field in Lubbock last Saturday. Connie Culpepper Massey's son Cody Williams, who plays for the Bulldogs was selected All District 1st Team Defensive Tackle. Cody is a Junior at Wylie.
Congratulations to all the teams in the playoffs and good luck to the Bluecats and Texans!
Judy Jackson
Cindy and I were saddened o hear of the passing away of Judy Jackson. Judy was a customer of ours for many years. I recall she was always one of the happiest people I know and I suspect it was because she was surrounded by family.
One of her daughters, Patricia Ann, was in my high school class. I call her "Pat" all the time... I have always wondered if she likes it or not. She always laughs when I say it so I think she does. She has always been so quiet.
Her son Herbert, used to work for us. He was always a hard worker and one of the most respectful young men I know. Always yes sir, yes mam, no sir and no mam. You know he was raised right.
I am not sure I can say or type it, as I shed a tear for the Jackson Family. Please remember them. Judy Jackson, gone but not forgotten.
Football Season Over
The Santa Anna Mountaineers' 2006 football season came to an end Friday night in Gatesville. They lost the game by a score of 68-28 to the Calvert Trojans.
The Mountaineers played an impressive first half with a score of 32-28 at the half. But the Mountaineers didn't even score in the second half to let the Trojans take the game away.
Calvert will take on the Richland Springs Coyotes as they beat the District 13 Champion May Tigers 56-8 Friday in Comanche. The game will be this Friday at 7:30 PM also in Gatesville.
Santa Anna Yearbook Staff Selling Poinsettias
The Santa Anna Yearbook Staff will be selling poinsettias again this year starting around the middle of October. They will be the same price as last year ($12.50) with foiled covers and a bow. This money is used to help fund our yearbook and purchase photography equipment when needed. Yearbook staff members will be coming around to check and see if you would like to order or you may send an e-mail to becky.martin@netxv to order. They appreciate your support in the activities that they do.
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