Strayhorn to investigate alleged drug fraud in foster care

Strayhorn to investigate alleged drug fraud in foster care

November 12, 2004

Associated Press

AUSTIN -- Texas Comptroller Carole Keeton Strayhorn is investigating foster care and possible Medicaid prescription drug fraud.

Strayhorn said Texas is spending about $4 million per year on mind-altering drugs for foster care children.

A spokeswoman for the Health and Human Services Commission said the agency already is reviewing the use of Medicaid drug claims and children. Jennifer Harris said a preliminary study released last month analyzed data from July and August.

Harris said the report's initial findings raised some serious concerns and the agency already is taking action.

Dr. John Holcomb of the Texas Medical Association said most medications used in pediatrics are used off-label and perfectly appropriately. Holcomb also said Strayhorn's study doesn't put the information in a clinical context, so the TMA can't make clinical judgments -- nor can Strayhorn.