NEW MEXICO ATTORNEY GENERAL HECTOR BALDERAS IS ASKING FOR A MILLION DOLLARS IN ADDITIONAL FUNDING IN ORDER TO SPEED UP A MEDICAID FRAUD INVESTIGATION. THE INVESTIGATION CENTERS AROUND 15 BEHAVIORAL HEALTH PROVIDERS WHO HAD THEIR MEDICAID PAYMENTS FROZEN BY THE MARTINEZ ADMINISTRATION OVER ALLEGATIONS OF FRAUD.
BALDERAS SAYS THE EXTRA MONEY WOULD BE USED TO HIRE MORE ANTI-FRAUD EMPLOYEES. HE SAYS THE MONEY WOULD NOT COME FROM THE GENERAL FUND BUT FROM THE A-G'S CONSUMER PROTECTION FUND. HOWEVER, BALDERAS SAYS HIS OFFICE STILL NEEDS LEGISLATIVE APPROVAL TO ACCESS THAT MONEY.
BALDERAS SAYS THE PACE OF THE INVESTIGATION MUST BE SPED UP…AND HE INTENDS TO FINISH IT IN 6 TO 8 MONTHS.
