SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) -- SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) - New Mexico officials have launched an investigation into a large contractor based on allegations that it used out-of-state workers in violation of its agreement.
The New Mexico Behavioral Health Collaborative says it's looking into OptumHealth New Mexico and whether the firm had hired overseas and out-of-state workers to process claims instead of New Mexicans.
The agency says it will withhold payment to the contractor pending the investigation.
The investigation stems from a complaint received by the agency.
Last year, OptumHealth won a four-year, approximately $1 billion state contract to manage the money that pays for services used by thousands of New Mexicans who are mentally ill and who struggle with substance abuse.
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Information from: The Santa Fe New Mexican, http://www.sfnewmexican.com
(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
(Copyright ©2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
