FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                          AG
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 18, 1995                        (202) 616-2765
                                               TDD (202) 514-1888

                                 
   AG RENO AND HHS SECRETARY SHALALA DISCUSS HEALTH CARE FRAUD 
                     AND MEDICARE LEGISLATION


     WASHINGTON, D.C. --  Attorney General Reno and Health and
Human Services Secretary Shalala will hold a press availability
on Wednesday, October 18 at 1:30 pm at the Main Justice Building,
Conference Room B to discuss their concerns about provisions of
the pending House Republican Medicare Bill which might impact
adversely on the prosecution of health care fraud and abuse.  

     The House of Representatives is expected to take up Medicare
legislation tomorrow, and there has been controversy over its
effect on health care fraud enforcement efforts.  

     Gerald Stern, Special Counsel for Health Care Fraud at the
Department of Justice, will be available for background at 1:00
pm in Conference Room B.  

     (NOTE:  The availability is open to federally credentialed
reporters only.  Other reporters wishing to attend the
availability must be cleared through the Office of Public Affairs
at the Justice Department.)              

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