New York’s Medicaid system overpaid pharmacies by more than $1.1 million over a 5-year period for narcotics and other controlled substance prescriptions that exceeded limits allowed by the law, according to an audit of the Department of Health by State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli. Auditors determined DOH’s eMedNY claims processing system did not properly deny claims from pharmacies for controlled substances that exceeded the supply limits put in place by the Controlled Substances Act and thus prevent improper payment. Medicaid overpaid pharmacies $1.2 million for 13,705 improper claims.
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Governor Cuomo outlined new reforms in his 2015-16 Executive Budget designed to crack down on delinquent taxpayers and abuses of the STAR program. These steps include the suspension of those who owe more than $4,500 in back taxes from the STAR program, as well as empowering the state Department of Taxation and Finance to recover improperly granted STAR benefits. Currently, if a taxpayer owes more than $4,500 in state tax debt, the STAR benefit is applied to the individual’s tax debt. The Executive Budget will instead stop providing STAR benefits to any taxpayer who owes more than $4,500 in state taxes.
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New Yorkers living with Cancer and their families will participate in the 2015 American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network Day at the Capitol today. Society spokesman Mike Burgis comments;
(Mike Burgis 2-10-15)
Those living with cancer or who have family with the disease, will come to the Capitol to tell their personal stories to their State Legislators, so they can take appropriate action on cancer related issues and programs.
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Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to a domestic incident in the Town of Delhi Sunday, Deputies arrested 45 year old Richard Herrel of Delhi for Criminal Contempt and Trespassing. It is alleged that Herrel violated an order of protection issued by Delaware County Family Court. He was arraigned in the Town of Delhi Court & was released on his own recognizance pending a February 18th court appearance.
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