Raleigh, NC-- The state has been rubber-stamping millions of dollars worth of Medicaid claims that it shouldn't have.
WFMY found out Shipman Family Home Care couldn't pay its employees and owes the government millions of dollars but, they aren't the only ones.
It turns out there are thousands of health care providers who also owe the government money and now, the state Department of Health and Human Services believes they have a solution to this expensive problem.
North Carolina has invested millions of dollars into data tracking software that's programmed to raise flags over questionable Medicaid claims.
The first sweep found 206 potential fraudulent claims totaling more than $191 million - 15 of those were in the Triad.
When suspicious claims are found, the state sends investigators and in some cases auditors, for unannounced visits.
The company may receive a notice saying they've been overpaid, like Shipman Family Home Care.
Some providers have their cases are sent to the Attorney General's Office for possible prosecution.
"We are looking at you in a way that we never have before. If you're out to defraud the system, we are going to put in the programs to catch you, and if we can prove it, we are going to prosecute you," explains Chrissy Pearson, NC Department of Health and Human Services.
The state tells WFMY Shipman Family Home Care was overpaid by $2 million.
Typically, the state can withhold money until a debt is met but in December 2010, Shipman's attorneys prevented the state from doing that.
They also stopped the state from being able to review Shipman's claims before they are paid.
Below is a list of Medicaid payments made to Shipman Family Home Care from April to July 10, 2012.
4/10/2012 62,734.80
4/17/2012 39,819.90
4/26/2012 36,222.30
5/8/2012 72,588.00
5/15/2012 32,712.90
5/22/2012 41,841.60
5/31/2012 35,814.45
6/12/2012 66,895.50
6/19/2012 43,697.70
6/28/2012 41,600.10
7/10/2012 73,401.44
TOTAL 547,328.69
As for the software, ten potentially fraudulent claims have been sent to the Attorney General's Office for further investigation.
Because of pending litigation, it is unclear if Shipman is being investigated by that office.