MEDICAID FRAUD CHIEF NAMED PRESIDENT OF NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF MEDICAID FRAUD CONTROL UNITS

MEDICAID FRAUD CHIEF NAMED PRESIDENT OF NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF MEDICAID FRAUD CONTROL UNITS

BOSTON – The Attorney General’s Chief of the Medicaid Fraud Division has been named president of the National Association of Medicaid Fraud Control Units (NAMFCU), Attorney General Maura Healey announced today. George Zachos was elected by his peers at the annual meeting earlier this month.

“For years, George has brought strong leadership and expertise to protecting the integrity of our health care system in Massachusetts,” AG Healey said. “His skills will be instrumental as the new president of the National Association of Medicaid Fraud Control Units in its continued work to protect taxpayers from fraud and abuse across the country.”

The AG’s Medicaid Fraud Division is an active participant within NAMFCU, meeting regularly with its counterparts across the nation to promote training programs while discussing emerging trends in fighting healthcare fraud and elder abuse. The AG’s Office is often called upon to present at national trainings. Attorneys and investigators within the MFD have long served as leaders within the various sub-committees of NAMFCU. 

“I am grateful for the opportunity to have served with George this past year, as we tackled some difficult issues,” said former NAMFCU president Bruce Lieberman, Director of the Alabama Medicaid Fraud Control Unit. “His demeanor and willingness to listen and work with all involved served us well as an Association and I know that he will continue to move us forward as he begins his term as President of NAMFCU.”

As president, Zachos will be the principal spokesperson for NAMFCU, will preside at Association meetings, and will set priorities for the Association.  Founded in 1978, NAMFCU has played a role in providing the state’s Medicaid Fraud Control Units with a national presence, developing and implementing training, and working with the Department of Justice and the United States Department of Health and Human Services on issues that impact Medicaid Fraud.  

Zachos has close to 20 years of litigation experience and has served as chief of the AG’s Medicaid Fraud Division since 2012, conducting both civil and criminal investigations and prosecutions of health care providers who defraud the Massachusetts Medicaid program (MassHealth). In addition, the Medicaid Fraud Division is responsible for reviewing complaints of abuse, neglect, mistreatment and financial exploitation of patients in long-term care facilities. Zachos, an Easton resident, is a graduate of Boston College and the University of Oklahoma College of Law.