This report originally appeared in the February 2010 issue of DOTmed Business News

California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has announced that $26.5 million in awards will be distributed for up to 45 counties in order to combat fraud within the state's In-Home Supportive Services program. The awards are to assist in investigating fraud, as well as to initiate better coordination and sharing of data between counties and the state.

"I promised to fight fraud and abuse in California's In-Home Supportive Services, which assists some of California's most vulnerable citizens. Today, I am proud to announce $26.5 million in awards that will help root out fraud in this program," said Governor Schwarzenegger in a press release. "Any fraud in our system is too much and, now more than ever, every dollar must count. We estimate a significant return on our investment in this budget year alone and that is very good news not only for taxpayers but especially for the Californians that rely on the resources provided by this important program."


The state estimates that hundreds of millions of dollars are inappropriately or fraudulently expended yearly through the IHSS program. Around a half million Californians rely on the IHSS program, which helps pay for services so that elderly or disabled recipients may remain in their own homes. To be eligible, one must be over 65 years of age, disabled or blind. The services include housecleaning, meal preparation, laundry, grocery shopping, personal care services, accompaniment to medical appointments and protective supervision for the mentally impaired.

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