GOP: Secret Deal Kills Successful Medicaid Cleanup

Illinois Republicans are decrying what they call a "backroom deal'' to oust a company successfully scrubbing Medicaid roles of ineligible clients.

An arbitrator ruled Tuesday that the contract between Democratic Gov. Pat Quinn and Maximus to root out fraud in the Medicaid health care program for low-income patients will end April 30.
 
Much of the work will eventually be transferred to state employees after a complaint by the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees union. State employees have to review Maximus' work.
 
Republican Sen. Dale Righter of Mattoon says Maximus has a "stunning'' Medicaid-removal rate of 40 percent - 127,000 cases out of 316,000 - reviewed.

He wants to challenge the ruling; Quinn dropped an appeal. He denies any "backroom deal.''
 
The administration will hire hundreds of employees.