Providers of mental health and drug abuse counseling targeted by a state audit are expressing concern about interruption of services.
NMInDepth.Com reports 15 behavioral health providers are having their Medicaid payments suspended while the state investigates over-billing, potential fraud , and other violations.
New Mexico Human Services Department officials say they're working to line up assistance for the organizations, but no details are yet available.
Patsy Romero, who's with Easter Seals El Mirador in Santa Fe, says her organization serves 89 clients with disabilities. Without Medicaid payments, Romero says, El Mirador won't be able to continue to provide services.
HSD provided summaries of the audits to New Mexico In Depth but did not include details about specific alleged wrong-doing. The summary says the providers over-billed the Medicaid program $36 million over a four year period ending in 2012.