New England Journal of Medicine Advocated for Stronger Whistle-Blower Protections

The May 13, 2010 issue of the the NEJM included an article written by physicians and public policy experts which illuminated the experiences of whistle-blowers who uncovered wrong-doing primarily by the pharmaceutical industry. The authors dubunked a commonly held myth that whistle-blowers are in it for the money, and that their "frivolous" lawsuits are lottery-like windfalls. In reality, many whistle-blowers actually come forward at personal cost and would have earned more over time had they remained silent.

The intent of the study was to obtain empirical data on the experience of whistle-blowers and through such, they hope to provide policy makers with content to create more informed health policy. No myths- just the facts.

Needed Tools for Combating Fraud

In addition to other new tools and strategies for attacking evolving healthcare fraud schemes, Lew Morris, Chief Counsel at the Office of Inspector General- Health and Human Services, is seeking statutory authority to remove corporate executives from Medicare for fraud.

http://oig.hhs.gov/testimony/docs/2010/morris_testimony61410.pdf

KPR Reports KS Lawmakers struggling to cover $500 million deficit-

Kansas Public Radio
Controlling Costs In Medicaid Date: May 10, 2010

Kansas lawmakers are struggling to cover a 500-million dollar budget deficit. One of the largest—and fastest growing—programs in state government is Medicaid. But as lawmakers look for ways to rein in the cost of that program, they’re finding it’s not so easy to do. As part of our series, “Kansas Health: A Prescription for Change”, Health Reporter Bryan Thompson has more on the struggles that lie ahead.