If you're thinking about committing Medicaid fraud in Illinois, you might want to think again. Thanks to newly signed legislation (Public Act 098-0354), the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services is authorized to charge Medicaid fraudsters with a felony, as opposed to the previously mandated misdemeanor. 

The new law, which was signed by Gov. Pat Quinn (D) on Aug. 16, was the culmination of an eight-month effort, beginning in January when Rep. Kelly M. Cassidy (D) introduced the legislation (HB0071)  in the Illinois House. In addition to increasing the punishment for Medicaid fraud, the new law also expands the definition of fraudulent Medicaid behavior to include vendors who help in illegally acquiring or altering a Medicaid beneficiary card.