NEBRASKA -- On Wednesday, Nebraska State Auditor Mike Foley revealed further instances of fraud in the state's Medicaid-funded Personal Assistance Services (PAS) and Personal Care Services (PCS) programs.

His recent findings build on previous reports, from Feb. 28, 2024, of widespread abuses by service providers.

The most recent audit details examples of fraud, including a caregiver from Omaha-based Murray’s Blessings, which received over $1 million in reimbursements from the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). The caregiver, arrested for firearms-related charges while in custody, had allegedly billed DHHS for services performed while she was in jail. Further investigation found the caregiver’s extensive criminal background, including drug offenses and racketeering charges.

In addition to this case, the Auditor discovered other instances of caregivers billing for impossible work schedules, such as claiming to provide 24-hour care while simultaneously holding full-time jobs. One caregiver billed for 95 hours a week while also working for a rental management company. Another billed DHHS while serving as a student bus driver and facing felony charges related to drug possession and weapons.

These findings follow the Auditor's earlier report of serious lapses in the PAS program, such as fraudulent invoices and excessive service claims. In response, DHHS has started implementing reforms, including updates to IT systems and the addition of two full-time auditors to help monitor services.

Auditor Foley noted that his confidence in the leadership of Steve Corsi as CEO of DHHS remains as high as ever.

“Steve is a very serious minded and highly competent director who takes these matters seriously, and I am happy to collaborate with him toward solutions that respect the taxpayers of our State,” said Foley.