Federal audit reveals $46 million fraud in Maine's autism care program

Описание: Federal investigators have uncovered significant fraud in Maine's largest welfare program, MaineCare, as part of a broader investigation into welfare schemes across the United States. A recent federal audit revealed that $46 million was improperly charged to the autism care program under MaineCare's section 28 in 2023. The Federal Office of Inspector General found no justified reason for these charges, prompting efforts to recover up to $25 million of the misallocated funds.
This revelation poses a significant challenge for Maine lawmakers as they prepare to pass a supplemental budget in the upcoming legislative session. The state must now address the potential financial shortfall resulting from the federal government's efforts to reclaim the funds.
In addition to the autism care program, other fraud scandals have emerged within MaineCare. A separate investigation has highlighted a proliferation of home health care agencies operating from ghost offices in Portland. These agencies, created under Gov. Janet Mills, are intended to provide in-home care for daily living tasks. However, many of these offices were found to be unoccupied, with landlords confirming that they were rented but never used.
One building in Portland housed five home health care agencies alongside a money transfer service linked to the Central Bank of Somalia. Investigators observed a Brink's truck collecting cash from the premises, suggesting that MaineCare funds may be funneled out of the country through these agencies.
Steve Robinson, editor in chief of The Maine Wire, emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating, "It couldn't be clearer that MaineCare money is being taken through these shady agencies and sent out of the country to God knows where." The investigation continues as authorities seek to address these fraudulent activities and prevent further misuse of welfare funds.


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