Medicaid fraud unit grows

The state agency that investigates and prosecutes Medicaid fraud is beefing up in Eastern Washington with the expansion of its program in Spokane, state Attorney General Rob McKenna announced Thursday.

The Medicaid Fraud Control Unit of the attorney general’s office gained two new investigators late last month to help bust health care providers who illegally use Medicaid.

Expansion was necessary because 30 percent to 40 percent of the unit’s cases are filed in Eastern Washington, McKenna said.

Last year, the unit recovered more than $9 million for the state by prosecuting fraudulent providers, he said.

In 2004, the unit helped investigate a former St. John pharmacist who later received 38 months in prison and was fined $308,000 for stealing $300,000 in Medicaid money.

– Parker Howell

Child car-seat clinic planned

Another in a series of child car-seat clinics is planned Saturday for people who want to learn how to comply with tighter state regulations that will take effect next June.

Spokane police Officer Teresa Fuller said 83 percent of car seats checked during earlier clinics were improperly used. A nationally certified car-seat technician will demonstrate proper use from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at Dishman Dodge, 7700 E. Sprague Ave.

A state law that takes effect June 1 will require children under 13 to be in the back seat of cars whenever possible. The law also will require children to be in booster seats until they are 8 years old or 4 feet 9 inches tall, Fuller said.

– John Craig

Fourth mutilated cat found

A fourth cat that was cut in two was reported Thursday to SpokAnimal C.A.R.E.

The cat was found Tuesday in the 6200 block of North Winston, said Ken Trambias, director of field services for the Humane Society facility.

“It’s pretty disturbing,” Trambias said.

Two cats were found during the past two weeks in the 2400 block of West Liberty, and a cat cut in half was discovered July 4 in the 9700 block of North Indian Trail Road.

Because of the lack of blood, the cats appear to have been cut in half after death.

Anyone with information should call SpokAnimal at (509) 534-8133.

– Jody Lawrence-Turner

Voter signup deadline near

Washington residents who want to cast a ballot in the Sept. 19 primary but aren’t yet registered might find it easier to get on the voter rolls if they sign up by Saturday.

Registration forms that are filled out correctly, mailed in and postmarked by Saturday will put a new voter on the list in time for the primary. Those who procrastinate can still register through Sept. 1, but will have to make a special trip to the elections office in their county seat and fill out the form there.

In counties that have poll site voting, voters who sign up after Saturday will have to cast that ballot by mail.

Spokane County Elections staff will have a voter registration booth at the Unity in the Community celebration from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday at Liberty Park in Spokane.

– Jim Camden