INDIANAPOLIS -- Indiana's Medicaid Fraud Control Unit recovered $14 million for the state's Medicaid program in 2007, according to Attorney General Steve Carter.

The fraud unit uncovered 1,235 cases of abuse and neglect in the system in 2007, along with 219 fraudulent billing cases, officials said.

"Since 2004, the unit has recovered $34 million for the state," Carter said.

Seventeen people were prosecuted for billing fraud of patient abuse and neglect in 2007, with 11 of those cases resulting in convictions, officials said.

The fraud unit enlists help from state and local law enforcement agencies during the investigations.

"Each case requires strong investigative work and collaboration with local and federal authorities," Carter said. "We continue to find ways to collaborate and to share information in order to most efficiently prosecute cases against those who would commit health care fraud whether it is a billing issue or a physical matter against the elderly and disabled."