Crackdown on Arizona’s sober living crisis reaches year mark [Video]

PHOENIX – A year ago, Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes, alongside state and tribal leaders, blew the lid on a scheme that has now cost taxpayers nearly $3 billion.

The scheme involves vulnerable people, including many Native Americans, being preyed upon by so-called “bad actors” who would bill the state for rehabilitation services that were rarely provided.

Now, a year later, the head of Arizona’s Medicaid agency announced major changes.

The head of Arizona’s Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS), Carmen Heredia, laid out the changes being made to crack down on sober living fraud.

Since May of last year, the agency has identified and suspended more than 300 providers over allegations of fraud.

Only 20 of those providers have had their suspensions lifted.