Buckeye Reporter

A member of Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost's team has been elected to a prominent national position in the fight against health-care fraud. Ben Karrasch, who leads Yost’s Health Care Fraud Section, will serve as president of the National Association of Medicaid Fraud Control Units for the next year. This organization focuses on interstate cooperation among over 50 units dedicated to addressing Medicaid fraud and protecting vulnerable populations from abuse.

Yost expressed confidence in Karrasch's new role, stating, “Under Ben’s leadership, our Medicaid Fraud Control Unit continues to set the gold standard for shielding the vulnerable from harm and safeguarding Medicaid dollars for those in need.” He emphasized Karrasch's expertise in health-care fraud as vital for advancing this work nationally.

Ohio’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit works with various partners to prevent fraud and protect adults at risk. The unit, comprising 102 employees, investigates fraudulent activities by health-care providers and enforces laws against patient abuse and neglect.

“Families hold nursing facilities to a high standard,” Yost remarked. “Ohio is fortunate to have one of the best Medicaid fraud teams in the country.”

The unit receives significant funding from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, with $15,343,488 allocated for federal fiscal year 2025. The Ohio Attorney General’s Office provides additional funding totaling $5,114,493 for FY 2025.

Ohio residents are encouraged to report any suspicions of patient abuse or Medicaid fraud by contacting the Ohio Attorney General’s Office at 800-282-0515.