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WNIJ's summary of news items around our state.

25 Illinois Residents Face Charges For Health Care Fraud

Medicare.gov

Doctors, nurses and a Medicaid recipient are among 25 Illinois residents facing federal criminal charges in a nationwide health-care fraud sweep. 

Federal authorities say the questionable Medicare and Medicaid billings totaled more than $700 million. 

U.S. Attorney Stephen Wiggington says this crime hurts people with disabilities who don't receive the care for which the provider is billing, as well as those who don't get the care they need because there's not enough money left in the system. 

"Every dollar taken by one of these individuals who are ripping off the system is a dollar taken away from somebody who really deserves it," Wiggington said. 

Punishment for health care fraud ranges from probation to four years in prison. Those who are convicted also can be barred from working health-care jobs in the future.

The alleged fraud affected about 250 people.

  • Wayne Pratt contributed to this report.