NM Indepth Article "LFC is delaying a request by HSD to move money to pay the AZ behavioral health providers"

Complete Article:


http://www.nmindepth.com/2013/08/09/legislative-committee-delays-payment-to-ariz-providers/

From the article:

Abbey explains some of the reasons for objecting in the Aug. 2 letter:

“The LFC acknowledges there are legitimate concerns about fraud, abuse and mismanagement of taxpayer funds by behavioral health providers. But the department has not provided sufficient data for the committee to understand the type of transgressions and dollar amounts that would warrant the replacement of so many New Mexico providers.”

Abbey goes on to write:

“It is clear today that the HSD has authority per federal regulations to lift pay holds. Again, I urge the HSD to consider less costly and disruptive alternatives, such as using intense oversight and training for select providers by state employees, OptumHealth or the Arizona Contractors.”