Challenges Appear to Limit States' Use of Medicaid Payment Suspensions

State Medicaid agencies (Medicaid agencies) are required to suspend payments for health care items and services when there is a credible allegation of fraud against the provider, unless "good cause" exists not to suspend payment. Using payment suspensions, when appropriate, is important to protect Medicaid funds: payment suspensions based on credible allegations of fraud can swiftly stop the flow of Medicaid dollars to providers defrauding Medicaid. A payment suspension can remain in place throughout the law enforcement investigation and potential prosecution of the health care fraud case.