From U.S. Senate hopeful Don Tracy:
Don Tracy: Another $1 Billion in Medicare Fraud Shows That Oversight and Accountability Matter
CHICAGO — Federal prosecutors in Chicago have filed charges accusing multiple foreign nationals of orchestrating elaborate Medicare and health insurance fraud schemes that siphoned more than $1 billion from government programs and private insurers through fraudulent claims for medical equipment and diagnostic tests that were never provided to patients.
According to federal prosecutors, empty offices and fake providers were also used to exploit weak oversight and accountability.
“This is exactly why serious oversight and strong leadership matter,” Tracy said. “When billions of taxpayer dollars are stolen from programs like Medicare through fraudulent schemes, working families are the ones who pay the price. Funding is put at risk for people who actually need help and everyone is forced to pay higher health care costs and higher taxes.
“Career politicians talk big about protecting programs like Medicare, but then fight reforms and accountability measures that would actually stop fraud and abuse. They want to maintain the status quo, because asking hard questions threatens the political system they’re benefiting from.
“If we’re serious about affordability, we need real oversight, and secure taxpayer-funded programs that serve patients, not criminals exploiting lax oversight and insufficient fraud guardrails.
“I’m running for the U.S. Senate because everyday Illinoisans deserve strong leaders who will protect their hard-earned dollars and look out for them when they’re in need. Unlike my Democrat opponents, who look the other way when fraud and waste are taking place, I will provide strong leadership that brings accountability, transparency, and the courage to fix what’s broken.”
