The Chief Executive Officer of MERIL says a settlement with the Missouri Attorney General on allegations of Medicaid fraud is not an admission of guilt.

JC Dollar says a three-year investigation found $32,470 in questionable payments to home-care attendants working for MERIL clients. Dollars says MERIL agreed to a $130,000 settlement with the Attorney General to avoid dragging out the proceedings.

Dollar says the settlement includes restitution of the $32,470, plus penalties and investigative fees. He says MERIL will continue to work with the Attorney General’s Office, the Department of Health and Senior Services, and others to implement the highest standards in providing services.

The Midland Empire Resources for Independent Living helps arrange care that allows the disabled to stay in their homes instead of moving to an institution.