Planned Parenthood State Affiliate Under Investigation For Medicaid Fraud

(Crain's) The Illinois Medicaid inspector general is investigating the billing practices of the medical director of Planned Parenthood of Illinois, Crain's has learned.

Dr. Caroline Hoke was reimbursed more than $3 million by Medicaid during the state's 2009 fiscal year, making her the program's second-highest-paid doctor at the time, but the payments fell to zero by 2011, Crain's analysis of state records shows.

The state Department of Healthcare and Family Services has withheld payments to Dr. Hoke until “billing issues” are resolved, a DHFS spokesman confirms. He declines to comment on the details of the case. Planned Parenthood of Illinois CEO Carole Brite denies any wrongdoing, calling the inquiry a “routine review.” She says the organization will have to repay the state, but she declines to say how much. Read The Rest Of The Story