Illinois investigates Planned Parenthood billing
A published report says Illinois Medicaid’s inspector general is investigating the billing practices of Planned Parenthood of Illinois’ medical director.
Crain’s Chicago Business reports that more than $3 million in Medicaid funds went to Dr. Caroline Hoke in fiscal year 2009. The business journal says that made Hoke the Illinois program’s second-highest-paid doctor. Payments to Hoke dropped to nothing by 2011.
A spokesman for the state’s Medicaid agency says payments are being suspended to Hoke until billing issues are resolved.
Planned Parenthood of Illinois CEO Carole Brite denies wrongdoing and says the organization will have to repay the state an unspecified amount. Brite says the review began in 2010.
The Crain’s report says it’s routine for someone like Hoke to submit claims for the health providers she supervises.