Senate Bill 639 Summary

• Repeals and reenacts sections 191.900, 191.905, 191.907, and 191.910 relating to MO HealthNet fraud prosecutions and civil actions.

• Establishes criminal penalties including Class C felony for first conviction and Class B felony for subsequent convictions for knowingly presenting false claims, making false records, or conspiring to defraud MO HealthNet.

• Creates a private right of action allowing any person to sue on behalf of the state to recover losses from MO HealthNet fraud, with qui tam provisions entitling the relator to 15-25% of monetary recovery depending on attorney general involvement.

• Authorizes civil penalties of $5,000-$10,000 per violation plus treble damages, with damages reduced to double damages if defendant voluntarily discloses violations within 30 days and fully cooperates with investigation.

• Establishes two state treasury funds: the MO HealthNet Fraud Reimbursement Fund for restitution and the MO HealthNet Fraud Prosecution Revolving Fund for investigation and prosecution costs.