House Bill 551

Chair�s Name: Wendell Willard

Committee: Judiciary

House Sponsor: Edward Lindsey

HB 551 creates the State False Medicaid Claims Act.  This enables the state and private citizens to bring civil actions against persons and entities who have obtained state funds through submission of false claims to state agencies. 

This substitution received a Do Pass recommendation from the Judiciary Committee and comes to the House Floor under the Open Rule.

Chairman Willard�s opinion of this legislation:

WHAT PROBLEM/OPPORTUNITY DOES THIS LEGISLATION ADDRESS?

This law will create a State False Medicaid Claims Act.  It will assist the state in reducing false Medicaid claims and to recover false claims.

WHAT IS THE DRIVING FORCE BEHIND THIS LEGISLATION?

The State of Georgia will receive more federal funds if this law is passed and the need to recover false Medicaid claims. 

THIS LEGISLATION:

• Reduces the Tax Burden on our Citizens:

This bill will reduce the fraud in Medicaid billing and reduce taxpayer money spent on Medicaid. 

• Increases Personal Responsibility:

Will discourage Medicaid fraud.