The Portland Press Herald reported Jan. 14 on Page C2 that the state uncovered $1.2 million in welfare fraud in 2015. That is a lot of money lost to cheaters and liars, and we ought not dismiss this scheme or scam lightly. However, it is important to place this dishonesty into context.

The same article reports that the Department of Health and Human Services spent more than $311 million on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families. That $1.2 million is less than four-tenths of 1 percent of the total assistance provided in 2015 by the DHHS.

Stated in a more positive fashion, the proper use of these funds was more than 99.60 percent of the total assistance.

We should not minimize any fraud in our welfare system, such as hidden resources or falsified documentation, but in Maine, welfare deception is minuscule. Look at the reports from the FBI in recent days.

• Jan. 7: Chicago: “West suburban doctor sentenced to two years in federal prison for falsely approving unnecessary treatment.”

• Jan. 8: Miami: “President of Miami-based transportation company convicted in $70 million health care fraud scheme.”

•  Jan. 8: Pittsburgh: “Ex- UPMC employee sentenced to prison for health care fraud.”

•  Jan. 12: Memphis: “Local dermatologist, Cordova-based medical practice to pay $450,000 for overbilling Medicare.”

• Jan. 12: Boston: “United States recovers over $133 million for fraudulent nursing home therapy claims.”

If you personally suspect someone of welfare fraud, report your concerns to the DHHS. On the other hand, the people of Maine should be pleased that our welfare funds are so well spent.

Rev. Dr. James M. Young

Portland

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