HSS215 DB3

Maryland Affordable Care Act
Name
Institution

Despite the fact that the federal government is the governing body when it comes to establishing Medicaid guidelines, individual states like Maryland should implement and monitor these guidelines within these states. The Medicaid Fraud Control Unit is the agency involved in dealing with Medicaid fraud cases. The Medicaid program was expanded under the famous 2010 Affordable Care Act (ACA) by President Obama. The most popular fraud case was that by the Bikundi family as outlined by Corcoran (2014). The Bikundis used a fake patient information to extract taxpayers’ money under the Medicaid program on the pretense of running a home health service.
In order to facilitate investigation into fraud related cases in Maryland as noted by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (2014), the information listed below is released.
Client’s name
Client’s Medicaid card number
Details of the healthcare provider (s)
Date when the service was provided
Money reimbursed under the Medicaid program
Acts denoting fraud
However, it is important to note that failure to accurately and correctly provide this information like in the case of the Bikundis is regarded as fraud.
In reference to this issue of Medicaid fraud, and in reference to the Affordable Care Act, patient information is protected on the basis that the provider should not use patient information for any reason other than that meant to aid in the provision of verifiable and justifiable healthcare.

There are various sub-laws under the ACA that aim to enhance efficiency in the provision of healthcare, for example, that which ensures patient information is used for the correct purpose. This act promotes the attainment of a sound program defined by integrity and transparency; hence, there is no room for fraudulent activity.
References
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. (2014). How to report fraud and suspected fraud. Retrieved from https://www.cms.gov/medicare-medicaid-coordination/fraud-prevention/fraudabuseforconsumers/report_fraud_and_suspected_fraud.html.
Corcoran, A. (2014). Largest Medicaid fraud bust in DC history involves immigrants from Africa. Retrieved from https://refugeeresettlementwatch.wordpress.com/2014/02/21/largest-medicaid-fraud-bust-in-dc-history-involves-immigrants-from-africa/.