ATLANTA— State Representative Edward Lindsey (R-Atlanta) announced the introduction of House Bill 973, legislation which would change the penalties for false Medicaid claims.
“Since the original passage of the Medicaid/Medicare False Claims Act, which I sponsored in 2008, the state has recouped tens of millions of dollars from entities that attempted to defraud Georgia taxpayers,” said Rep. Lindsey. “This legislation will aid in this program’s continuing success.”
Under HB 973, any person who knowingly presents a false or fraudulent claim or false information to Georgia Medicaid for approval will be liable for between $5,500 and $11,000 in civil penalties to the state, plus three times the amount in damages that Georgia Medicaid sustains as a result of the fraudulent activity. HB 973 also makes the accused person liable to the state for all costs associated with a civil action.
Co-signers of the bill include State Representatives Wendell Willard (R-Sandy Springs), Matt Ramsey (R-Peachtree City), Katie Dempsey (R-Rome), and Stacey Evans (D-Smyrna).
For more information about HB 973, click here.
Representative Edward Lindsey represents the citizens of District 54, which includes portions of Fulton County. He was elected into the House of Representatives in 2004, and currently serves on the Appropriations, Education, Ethics, Industry and Labor, Judiciary, and Rules committees.
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