September 9, 2009

Medicaid: Fraud and Abuse Related to Controlled Substances Identified in Selected States

Prescription drugs count for a majority of Medicaid's cost each year. These drugs, including pain relievers and stimulants, can be easily susceptible to abuse. Medicaid received $87 billion in federal assistance to help offset the high costs of drugs and abuse prevention measures.

Following the receipt of federal assistance, GAO conducted a survey where they found results for indications of abuse of Medicaid paid prescriptions, examples of abuse, and effective steps taken by states and federal government to eliminate the abuse.