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Editor: Mike Bothwell
Profession: Qui Tam Attorney

Category: Legislative Updates

Senator Chuck Grassley has tried to pressure the executive branch to get the word out that under a new federal law states must have whistleblower provisions to qualify for an additional 10% of Medicaid funds.

"If states want to collect a greater share of the recoveries, then states need to let whistleblowers be part of the process as specified in the Medicaid legislation just passed by Congress," Grassley said. "Whistleblowers have proven to be the key to the success of the federal False Claims Act over the last 20 years. They stick their necks out and put themselves in very risky situations to do the right thing on behalf of taxpayers, and their courage and sacrifice deserves to be recognized and rewarded." April 26, 2006 Press Release.

On March 17, 2006, Senator Grassley first tried to get this word out. At a time when most Medicaid programs could use a financial shot in the arm, it is hard to understand why Senator Grassley is seemingly having a hard time getting the word out.