The fraud is largely related to over-billing by providers and drug theft. He has no authority over recipient fraud.

Indiana leaders will give “extra” scrutiny to Medicaid and other federally funded, state-administered social services programs as part of a new entity focused on fraud, waste and abuse.

Senate Republicans have introduced a bill that aims to target fraud and abuse in Indiana’s welfare programs. Some of it puts the state in line with new federal requirements, but some Democrats worry it could cut eligible Hoosiers from benefits aimed at helping them.