Florida Senator Introduces Bills Targeting Medicaid and Student Aid Fraud

Florida Republican Sen. Ashley Moody has introduced multiple bills in recent months targeting fraud in federal Medicaid and student aid programs. The Stop Fraud in Medicaid Act would allow Medicaid Fraud Control Units to investigate recipients of fraudulent claims in addition to those submitting them.

Moody also introduced the Punishing Health Care Fraudsters Act, which would increase fines and penalties for health care fraud.

A third measure, the No Aid For Ghost Students Act, would address cases where fraudsters use fake or stolen identities to obtain federal student aid. Moody said her focus on fraud stems from prior roles as a prosecutor, judge, and Florida attorney general.

"VP Vance, our whole government, and state AGs need every tool available to go after scammers and fraudsters, and I've got the toolbox ready with a slew of legislative proposals to enhance prosecutorial efforts," Moody said. The bills have not yet received floor votes in the Senate.