The Lakewood Vaad this evening released the following statement to TLS upon the conclusion of the Ocean County Voluntary Disclosure Program.

We are pleased to learn that the Ocean County Voluntary Disclosure Program has fully concluded, and that the State has recovered over $2 million in Medicaid expenditures on behalf of taxpayers.

We are grateful to the Comptroller’s Office for offering this program to County residents. Although the penalties were severe and painful, the program provided individuals a chance to rectify past mistakes and come into full compliance without the devastating consequences of the criminal prosecution process. As the results prove, this was the most logistically and financially efficient manner to recover these benefits.

Furthermore, the program encouraged residents throughout the County and beyond to review their eligibility for government benefits and ensure full compliance with all guidelines for any benefits they receive. The Lakewood Vaad and other community organizations have undertaken a long-term community education process to inform residents regarding the often confusing intricacies related to government program eligibility, and to stress the importance of following every guideline in both letter and spirit.

We have seen lots of positive progress and will continue these efforts in the months and years ahead.