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Ask Amy: Elder mom should yield, and stop driving

Amy Dickinson, Tribune Content Agency on

If she found out I reported her, this would obviously create a rift in the family.

Should I just mind my own business?

– Wondering SIL

Dear Wondering: Health care fraud costs the American taxpayers billions of dollars a year.

The following is from a transcript of a congressional hearing on Medicaid fraud: “In fiscal year 2011, the Medicaid program issued $21.9 billion in improper payments, higher than any program in government except Medicare.”

Obviously, the best time to speak up would have been when your sister-in-law divulged her deception to you.

 

At this point, you can say to her, “I wish you hadn’t told me you were lying about your employment status. You know that’s fraud, right? You’ve created a dilemma for me, and I hope you will do the right thing. If you got caught, it would affect everyone — not just you.”

This leaves some wiggle room regarding what you might choose to do.

The Department of Justice contains this language on its website (justice.gov): “The government counts on the public for tips and assistance in helping stop health care fraud. If you have information about individuals committing health care fraud, please call the Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of Inspector General hotline at (800) HHS TIPS [(800) 447-8477].

Dear Amy: Your advice to “Bullet-proof’s Mom” to quit nagging her 18-year-old (who wouldn’t get his vaccine) was great.

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