|
Published: September 02, 2008 11:26 pm
LEGISLATURE: Medicaid fraud specialist position set
Much expected from $75K a year position
By Mark Scheer E-mail Mark
Niagara Gazette
Niagara County lawmakers are expecting big returns from a new Medicaid fraud investigator’s position.
Members of the Niagara County Legislature on Tuesday established an annual salary of $74,998 for the new job of Medicaid fraud specialist which they hope will generate far greater returns in the amount of money the county recovers from Medicaid scams each year.
“I’m confident we will see some real results,” said Legislator Paul Wojtaszek, R-North Tonawanda. “It’s two-fold — we get money back which is a revenue generator and we deter other people from stealing from the taxpayers.”
State funds will cover the salary and benefits for the new position as a result of the county’s involvement in a special Medicaid fraud demonstration project being coordinated by the state Office of Medicaid Inspector General.
County lawmakers believe the new in-house inspector will generate substantial revenues for the county in the coming years.
Wojtaszek, who sponsored the original resolution in support of creating the new position, said while the county has traditionally funded up to 25 percent of the total cost of local Medicaid services, it is rarely fully compensated in cases where Medicaid abusers are discovered and prosecuted. Wojtaszek said the new position should allow the county to recover a larger portion of its initial investment.
Wojtaszek indicated that the county also will be eligible for reimbursement of support services for the position, including clerical staff and possibly additional auditing services.
“This is the tip of the iceberg,” Wojtaszek said. “We are going to see some real progress. We are going to see some real results.”
County officials have determined, that based on the duties of the job, the position will be filled by an attorney. On Tuesday, the Legislature established an ad hoc committee of five lawmakers to conduct the search for someone to fill the position.
In other matters, the Legislature:
n Tabled a resolution that would have allowed the county to borrow $6.7 million for various capital projects, including a proposed $2 million storage building for Sheriff’s Department vehicles. The bond issue came under scrutiny from Minority Leader Dennis Virtuoso, D-Niagara Fall, who called into the question the county’s need to borrow money with interest to upgrade the county’s payroll system, purchase new public works vehicles and buy furniture and perform renovations at various county buildings. Budget Director Daniel Huntington said the entire proposal would require the county to pay off the debt at about $500,000 a year for 20 years starting in 2009. Huntington said the package assumes an interest rate of 4 percent.
Lawmakers agreed to hold off on a vote on the issue for two weeks to allow County Manager Gregory Lewis, who did not attend Tuesday’s meeting, to address the need for the items on the list of capital projects.
|
|
|
|
 |
Driver
Drivers CDLA. Must be able to go to Canada Good pay, great benefits. Call 278-2000 Ext. 106...>MORE
FLOOR ASSISTANT
Floor asst. needed for approx. 30-35 hrs/wk in a podiatry office, no exp. nec., will train, call between 12-2:30 pm for ...>MORE
Nursing
NURSING. ElderWood Senior Care, "Care Without Compromise". We invite you to stop by and learn how you can become part of...>MORE
COLLECTORS
Exp. collectors, high hrly., low cash goals, 20% overage, 500 4 hitting, Chuck @ 597-2538...>MORE
Facilities Director
Facilities Director Strategically manage commercial and residential portfolios onsite in US and Canada. Exe...>MORE
Customer Service
Customer Service Immed. F/T position. Includes weekends. Must be customer oriented, computer ...>MORE
Certified Pharmacy Tech's & Certified Medication Tech's
Certified Pharmacy Tech’s & Certified Medication Tech’s Competitive wages. Call Lisa McKensie Ransomville Manor 79...>MORE
Nurse Practitioner
NURSE Practitioner, PT including one evening, resume 533 Meadow Dr, Suite 2, N. Tona, NY 14120 or fax 693-4807...>MORE
Assistant Director
ASSISTANT DIRECTOR Alumni Relations (ft) sought by the Alumni Relations Department of Niagara University, a private...>MORE
Customer Service
Customer Service CARPET CLEANING $400-$600/week Our customers have cleaning fever. Openings for men & wom...>MORE
See all ads |
1991 Dodge Caravan
DODGE 1991 Caravan, exc body, runs great, full power, needs TLC. $1200 or BO. Call 754-4608....>MORE
Mazda 1995 Millenia
Mazda 1995 Millenia loaded, leather, only 26k mi. exc. cond. $2995. Best Offer 531-3548 or 297-1526...>MORE
Ford 1999 Ranger
FORD 1999 Ranger, 5 speed, 130K, fair condition, $2000 or best offer, 716-310-0531...>MORE
VW 2001 Beetle
VW 2001 Beetle, loaded, GLX turbo, exc. cond, all service records, fun to drive, blue bk $5600, take best offer, 990-06...>MORE
Chevy 2003 Impala
CHEVY 2003 Impala 25,600 miles, loaded Exc. Cond. $10,000/bo 297-2199...>MORE
1996 Mazda L3000
MAZDA L3000 pick-up 1996, 6 cyl, runs good, new tires & battery, just inspect., $1500. 284-7529....>MORE
Mercury 1999 Grand Marquis
Mercury ‘99 Grand Marquis 4 dr, leather, all options, 49k org mi., showroom cond. $6000. 860-2854, ...>MORE
Ford 1995 Crown Victoria
Ford 1995 Crown Victoria 4 dr, loaded, new tires must see & drive $3500. red. 860-2854...>MORE
Dodge 2001 Neon
Dodge 2001 Neon 4 dr, auto, a/c, new tires, c/d no rust, inspected, $3900. white 860-2854...>MORE
Ford Windstar 1998
FORD 1998 Windstar $1000 or best offer. 298-5220...>MORE
See all ads |
|
 |
|