Thursday, November 21, 2024 – Substance abuse treatment remains elusive for hundreds of people after Arizona Medicaid fraud

Native America Calling

More than a year after Arizona cracked down on fake substance abuse treatment facilities following a $2.5 billion Medicaid fraud scam, hundreds of people can’t find adequate treatment. The scam swept up thousands of Native Americans and sought reimbursement for care they never received. An investigative report by the Arizona Center for Investigative Reporting and ProPublica also discovered continued confusion over Medicaid reimbursements that threatens the viability of the legitimate facilities cleared by the state to continue. We’ll get an update on the aftermath of the Medicaid scam and the ongoing effort to help people needing behavioral health care. The Arizona Center for Investigative Reporting continues to collect information about people affected by the interruption in behavioral health services. Those with information can write to [email protected], or call 505-226-0626.