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The Ohio Department of Medicaid Amends Fraud, Waste, and Abuse Rules

Client Alert

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Ohio Administrative Code rule 5160-1-29 Medicaid fraud, waste, and abuse provides definitions and examples of fraud, waste, and abuse and describes the Ohio Department of Medicaid's (ODM) program to detect, prevent, and address these issues. OAC 5160-1-29 has been reviewed as part of the five-year rule review process and has been amended to update definitions, language, and citations; add clarifying language; and remove regulatory restrictions in accordance with Ohio Revised Code section 121.95.

As part of its five-year review, ODM has reorganized and clarified the definitions of "Fraud" and "Waste and Abuse":

  • "Fraud" now explicitly refers to the definition in 42 C.F.R. 455.2
  • "Waste and abuse" is now split into two separate definitions:
    • "Waste" is any preventable act leading to unnecessary Medicaid expenditures.
    • "Abuse" is now defined as in 42 C.F.R. 455.2

ODM also adds specificity and clarity to the list of examples, including:

  • Misrepresentation of services, billing for services not provided, and violation of provider agreements.
  • New examples include misrepresenting information on provider applications, ordering excessive quantities of supplies, and non-compliance with service definitions.
    • Provider Fraud – “Non-compliance with the service definitions, activities, coverage, and limitations as listed in the applicable provisions in agency 5160 of the Administrative Code.”
    • Recipient Fraud – “Any action to falsely obtain Medicaid eligibility as described in section 2913.401 of the Revised Code.”

Please contact BMD healthcare attorney Daphne Kackloudis at dlkackloudis@bmdllc.com with questions.


Supreme Court Upholds Coverage under the Affordable Care Act

The U.S. Supreme Court has upheld the authority of the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force under the ACA, ensuring continued no-cost coverage for over 100 preventive health services. The decision impacts millions of Americans and preserves provider reimbursement through insurance.

Health Care Providers Take Note: Federal Budget Brings Medicaid and Staffing Rule Changes

The 2025 federal budget introduces significant changes for health care providers and Medicaid recipients, including new cost-sharing requirements, work eligibility mandates, rural health grants, and a pause on minimum staffing rules.

Key Healthcare Provisions in Ohio’s 2026–2027 Budget

Ohio’s newly enacted biennial budget (HB 96) for FY 2026–2027 brings sweeping changes for healthcare providers across the state. The law includes new Medicaid eligibility requirements, reporting mandates, funding directives, and social policy provisions. Several vetoes by Governor DeWine also affect healthcare-related initiatives.

Providers Beware: Court Sides with Insurers in No Surprises Act Arbitration

On June 12, 2025, the Fifth Circuit ruled in favor of Aetna and Kaiser in two lawsuits brought by air ambulance providers challenging how insurers calculated payments under the No Surprises Act’s Independent Dispute Resolution process. The court held that unless there is clear evidence of fraud or serious misconduct, IDR decisions will stand, reinforcing the finality of the arbitration process.

Introducing HB 281: Enforcement of Federal Immigration Laws in Ohio Hospitals

House Bill 281, introduced on May 20, 2025, would require Ohio hospitals to allow law enforcement, including federal immigration agents, to enter facilities and enforce immigration laws. The bill mandates that hospitals comply with information requests and adopt formal policies, raising significant concerns about patient privacy and access to care for immigrant communities.