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GOP: Quinn Has Been Too Slow To Purge Medicaid Rolls Of Cheaters

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (CBS) -- Top Springfield Republicans are telling Gov. Pat Quinn that he has been too slow purging Medicaid rolls of cheaters.

As WBBM Newsradio's John Cody reports, Senate Republican Leader Christine Radogno (R-Lemont) says Quinn has delayed plans until January to purge ineligible people from Medicaid rolls.

Radogno asserts that the purge could save Illinois in the neighborhood of $350 million, and should be starting now.

"You know, it's difficult to understand the motive for not wanting to prevent fraud," Radogno said. "Some people have suggested that it's political – he doesn't want to kick anybody off the rolls before the election, but you would have to ask the Quinn administration what their motivation is. I can' figure out any rational reason for it.

Quinn says he will move on the issue as soon as possible.

"You have to properly follow the contract rules; procurement rules of Illinois; make sure the people are well-trained so they do their job right. They know this," the governor said. "This is all politics. We're about seven weeks away from the election. That's what they're doing. It's all politics. They know full well that Pat Quinn, Governor of Illinois, is ferreting out fraud, waste, anywhere he sees it in state government."

Quinn also dismissed Radogno's charge that his motivation is political as complete bologna.

LISTEN: WBBM Newsradio's John Cody reports

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