Your VIDHS Episode 5 - SNAP & Medicaid Fraud

Welcome to Episode 5 of the Your VIDHS Podcast! In this episode, we delve deep into the world of SNAP and Medicaid Fraud, shedding light on the crucial efforts to combat fraudulent activities in these vital assistance programs.
Join our host, Ryan Nugent, as he engages in a thought-provoking conversation with two distinguished guests - Cheryl Willie, the SNAP Performance Reporting Director, and Kevin Dennin, the Medicare Program Integrity Director. Together, they bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the table, offering a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and strategies in place to safeguard these essential programs.
*Introduction:*
- Host: Ryan Nugent, Director of Communications at the US Virgin Islands Department of Human Services.
- Episode Focus: Exploring fraud in SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) and Medicaid, two major assistance programs.
- Guests: Cheryl Willie, Performance Reporting Director, and Kevin Dennin, Director of Program Integrity.
*SNAP Fraud Discussion:*
1. *Overview of SNAP:*
- Introduction to SNAP and Medicaid as major programs generating millions for clients annually.
2. *Guest Introductions:*
- Cheryl Willie, Performance Reporting Director.
- Kevin Dennin, Director of Program Integrity.
3. *Understanding SNAP Fraud:*
- Cheryl Willie defines SNAP fraud as eligibility fraud involving false reporting of income and household details.
- Discusses trafficking, where benefits are exchanged for cash, firearms, or narcotics.
4. *Preventing SNAP Fraud:*
- Emphasis on integrity and honesty in the SNAP program.
- Encourages reporting suspicious activities to prevent fraud.
5. *Types of SNAP Fraud:*
- Examples include underreporting income, leaving the island but maintaining SNAP benefits, and applying for duplicate services in different locations.
6. *Detection and Penalties:*
- Investigations initiated by community reports.
- Administrative disqualification hearings for intentional fraud.
- Penalties range from one to three years of disqualification.
- Perpetrator's information entered into a nationwide system.
*Medicaid Fraud Discussion:*
1. *Introduction to Medicaid:*
- Overview of Medicaid serving 39,000 clients in the US Virgin Islands.
2. *Understanding Medicaid Fraud:*
- Kevin Dennin defines Medicaid fraud as intentional provision of false information for federal funding.
- Discusses provider fraud, including billing for services not rendered and upcoding.
3. *Member Fraud in Medicaid:*
- Describes member fraud involving recipients underreporting income or household details.
4. *Detection and Reporting Medicaid Fraud:*
- Members can check charged services in their accounts.
- Encourages reporting suspected fraud through helpline numbers, email, or an online complaint form.
5. *Investigation and Consequences:*
- Program integrity investigates complaints and refers cases to the Department of Justice for potential prosecution.
*Additional Topics:*
1. *Affordable Connectivity Program Warning:*
- Caution about individuals attempting to obtain Medicaid and SNAP numbers under the guise of offering free laptops or tablets.
- Emphasizes verifying the legitimacy of associated businesses before providing personal information.
2. *Community Involvement:*
- Stresses the importance of community members reporting suspicious activities to protect the integrity of assistance programs.
3. *Closing Statements:*
- Cheryl Willie highlights the significant impact of SNAP benefits on the community's well-being and urges reporting.
- Kevin Dennin emphasizes the potential consequences of losing federal Medicaid funding due to fraud and calls for community partnership.
*Conclusion:*
- Ryan Nugent thanks the guests and emphasizes the seriousness of fraud in SNAP and Medicaid.
- Encourages listeners to report any suspicious activities to safeguard these vital assistance programs.