New York State: Medicaid anti fraud bill would issue biometric ID cards

We spill a lot of pixels here highlighting the use of biometrics to combat fraud in the developing world. Here's an example from New York.

Palm identification would use cards in effort to cut $5 billion in illegal costs (Albany Times Union)

Palm-scanning devices and identification cards could become part of a doctor's appointment under proposed legislation that aims to crack down on Medicaid fraud.

The bill, introduced Wednesday by Assemblywoman Naomi Rivera, D-Bronx, and Sen. Michael Ranzenhofer, R-Amherst, would dish out Medicard cards equipped with biometric technology.

The bill's sponsors say the initial $20 million investment is a fraction of the estimated $5 billion in Medicaid fraud that occurs annually in the state. Medicaid is a medical care program for low-income residents.

People's willingness to support social programs is dependent on their being seen to address social problems rather than seen as enriching criminals.

$5 billion in fraud is a shocking figure.