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Medicare Fraud Prevention Program To Be Announced

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Jul 2, 2007 9:00 am US/Eastern

Medicare Fraud Prevention Program To Be Announced

 CBS News Interactive: About Your Health

LOS ANGELES (AP) ― Federal health officials say they'll announce a pilot program Monday that targets fraudulent Medicare billings submitted by medical equipment suppliers in the L.A. area and south Florida.

The two-year program will concentrate on fake bills and overcharges sent by suppliers of prosthetic limbs, orthotics, diabetic supplies and durable medical equipment, including things like wheelchairs and nebulizers.

Officials say the nationwide figure for such fraud could reach several billion dollars a year.

Medicare program integrity program director Kimberly Brandt says there are over 4,800 durable medical equipment suppliers in the L.A. area.

She says the high numbers of suppliers and beneficiaries creates here an opportunity for fraud.

Officials say the program could be rolled out nationwide if it's successful in reducing fraud in Southern California and south Florida.

(© 2007 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)

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