Jan Schlichtmann discusses widespread Medicare fraud

(CBS) Of all the problems facing the United States right now, none are more important than health care.

President Obama says rising costs are driving huge federal budget deficits that imperil our future, and that there is enough waste and fraud in the system to pay for health care reform if it was eliminated.

At the center of both issues is Medicare, the government insurance program that provides health care to 46 million elderly and disabled Americans. But it also provides a rich and steady income stream for criminals who are constantly finding new ways to steal a sizable chunk of the half trillion dollars that are paid out each year in Medicare benefits.

In fact, Medicare fraud - estimated now to total about $60 billion a year - has become one of, if not the most profitable, crimes in America.

Learn more at http://blog.legalbroadcastnetwork.com/

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[libanadam]

The Medicare Fraud Strike Force today charged 111 defendants in nine cities, including doctors, nurses, health care company owners and executives, and others, for their alleged participation in Medicare fraud schemes involving more than $225 million in false billing, Also today, the Department of Justice (DOJ) and HHS announced the expansion of Medicare Fraud Strike Force operations to two additional cities – Dallas and Chicago. Today’s operation is the largest-ever.

[dangermous1968]

Kids growing up today..with all the sugar and lack of exercise,junk food, etc. will be sick even sooner. big pharma will have them popping pills by age 30... Their kids ...will be virtual slaves to taxes....but It's ok ...we legalize pot...and the only thing of concern for them will be if there's milk in the fridge for the lucky charms....

[dangermous1968]

Everybody knew the baby boomers were getting to the retirement age, and everyone thought ss was gonna run out of money...when the next generation pays for the last...you are looking at increased taxes for the new generation... Most Americans dont really care about the parents /grandparents unlike developing countries we put them in convalescent homes. That costs money..and now...more than ever.many elderly take 10-15 pills a day..who pays ...we do.thats life...than u die..

[repubtodem]

Gingrich personally tried to ram through deep cuts in Medicare — and, in 1995, went so far as to shut down the federal government in an attempt to bully Bill Clinton into accepting those cuts.

Republicans denounce modest proposals to rein in Medicares rising costs, they are, themselves, seeking to dismantle the whole program. dept since carter, Reagan top with debt then Bush jr next highest and than surplus with Clinton cleaning up repub mess ya debt. you never know when Obama leaves do ya?

[quizerry]

It is also high because of fraud and abuse in the government run side. The private sector makes up for Government shortages. Last year alone in D.C. The government paid medicaid reciepients for over 400,000 trips or rides to the Doctor. For 8000 medicaid reciepients in D.C.that means they went to the doctor an average of 52 times each. What was done about this fraud? NOTHING. That is just one city one tiny part, imagine the amount of fraud throughout the system in 50 States. And we paid for it!

[EndTheFedRes]

Great response. Anyone who thinks America is Capitalistic is SLEEPING. We are far from Capitalism.

[lenny380]

Fraud - you aint seen nothing compared to the debt Obama is saddling the Nation with. Obama needs to end Medicare and let the private sector to handle this monstrosity.

[samkurz]

Hmmmm.... Imagine what the Private insurance co.

are doing.

[billeybop]

Hello this has been known for years and reporters have done segments on it. Stop talking and start walking already!

[YouSmellLikePOOO]

Health insurance is expensive because govn't is limiting competition. You are not allowed to get cheaper insurance from a company in one of the 50 states and use it in your own state because of govn't regulations.

Competition reduces prices for consumers. Everyone knows monopolies and oligopolies are bad, especially if it is govn't.

The corrupt politician obama is giving the TRILLION dollar govn't insurance contracts to large insurance companies who bribed and lobbied obama.

Think about it!