Current IHSS Issues

Fraud in the IHSS System

Questions to consider when meeting with your county IHSS Quality Control representative

• What is your definition of IHSS fraud?
• Do you separate out consumer fraud versus provider fraud? Are there any numbers quantifying each?
• Describe types/examples of fraud?
• Is the fraud typically by family members or others?
• Who do you report fraud to - local authorities, state authorities? Has this changed over time?
• When reported, does the amount of money involved have a consequence?
• Who reports the fraud? Where does the information come from?
• Do you let people in the community know where to report fraud? For example, do you communicate with other social workers outside of the IHSS system? Independent Living Centers? Senior Centers?
• Are people being prosecuted?
• What systems are in place to detect/discourage fraud?
• Do you keep statistics on fraud locally? Will you please give us a report including dollars and percentages?
• Do you think some fraud exists simply because people do not understand the program and it is difficult to interact with them? Any numbers on this?

FY 09/10 State Budget and the IHSS Program