In brief: Anti-fraud efforts gain momentum, MedForce launches online store

WASHINGTON - Two bills that seek to reduce Medicare fraud and abuse are working their way through Congress, AAHomecare reported to members last week. S. 2128, a bill introduced by Sen. George LeMieux, R-Fla., that would require CMS to implement a real-time data monitoring technology to analyze and detect fraudulent claims before they're paid, was included in a larger bill for small business lending that recently passed the House and Senate. It awaits the president's signature. H.R. 6130, a bill introduced by Reps. Pete Stark, D-Calif., and Wally Herger, R-Calif., that would authorize the HHS secretary to ban executives from companies that are convicted of fraud from doing business again with Medicare, recently passed the House. For more info, contact AAH's Jay Witter at jayw@aahomecare.org.



Fraud program gets double the funding

WASHINGTON - CMS announced last week $9 billion in grants to help more than 50 Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) programs fight Medicare fraud. The award, which doubles the SMP's funding, is part of the president's mandate to educate seniors and other Medicare beneficiaries about how to prevent Medicare fraud. The SMP volunteers work in their communities to educate Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries, family members and caregivers about the importance of reviewing their Medicare notices to identify billing errors and potentially fraudulent activity. Program volunteers also encourage seniors to make inquiries to the SMP Program when such issues are identified, so that the project may ensure appropriate resolution or referral.



HME software vendor opens online store

CHESTNUT RIDGE, N.Y. - Business software vendor MedForce Technologies has launched an online store (www.medforcetech.com/store) where customers can buy apps and add-ons to help them improve workflow and become more efficient, it announced last week. The store features auto-filing templates, forms, additional user licenses and consulting services in various categories.



MED Group schedules bidding seminars

LUBBOCK, Texas - The MED Group will host a series of educational seminars on competitive bidding beginning this week for both winners and losers. Information includes marketing materials, sales training, subcontracting, networking opportunities and more. The dates for each seminar, one in each competitive bidding area, are as follows: Oct. 5, Riverside, Calif.; Oct. 12, Pittsburgh; Oct 13, Arlington, Texas; Oct 19, Cincinnati; Oct. 20, Fort Lauderdale, Fla.; Oct 26, 2010, Cleveland; Oct. 27, Kansas City, Mo.; Nov. 2, Charlotte, N.C.; Nov. 3, Orlando, Fla. The seminars are free to MED members and $50 for non-members. To register or ask questions, e-mail Jana Gilmore at jgilmore@medgroup.com or call 800-825-5633 ext. 1125.



Lincare declares dividend

CLEARWATER, Fla. - Lincare announced last week that its board of directors has declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.20 per common share. The dividend is payable on Oct. 29, 2010 to stockholders of record as of the close of business on Oct. 15, 2010.