NEWS RELEASE
Inspector General report finds $798K in fraudulent pregnancy coverage
TOPEKA – (February 24, 2026) – Kansas Inspector General Steven D. Anderson today released an Interim Audit Report examining the Medicaid Pregnant Woman Program, administered by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE).
The review identified 62 Medicaid beneficiaries aged 45 or older who appear to have fraudulently enrolled in pregnancy-related coverage. These cases resulted in improper payments totaling more than $798,000.
The audit also determined that some beneficiaries receiving Pregnant Woman program benefits obtained additional state assistance through programs such as:
- Child Care assistance
- Food Assistance
- Employment Training (FAET)
- Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP)
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
- Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
- Water Assistance
- Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Food Assistance Program
- Work Program
“Our interim report included four recommendations intended to improve KDHE's oversight of the program,” Anderson said. “If the recommended updates to policies are implemented, the state of Kansas would have saved approximately $280,000 in 2025."
Under Kansas law (K.S.A. 75-7427(k)(1)), the Office of the Inspector General (OIG) is required to establish mechanisms for receiving reports of fraud, waste, abuse, or illegal acts in these programs from any individual with relevant information.
The report has been submitted to Kansas Attorney General Kris W. Kobach, KDHE Secretary Janet Stanek, and members of the Kansas Legislature.
The full report is available on the Kansas Attorney General’s website at: https://www.ag.ks.gov/divisions/medicaid-inspector-general.
To report suspected fraud, waste, abuse, or illegal acts related to cash, food, or health assistance programs, individuals may submit an online form via the link above or call 785-296-5050.
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