THE HAGUE—The claim is an extreme example of fraud uncovered by the Dutch current affairs television show Nova which has laid its hands on a report from the tax inspectorate.

The fraud involves what's known as the 'personal budget' for the elderly, chronically ill and the disabled. Many of these patients face high costs not covered by their health insurance companies. The costs, including long-term home care or admission to a nursing home, are though covered by the AWBZ (Exceptional Medical Expenses Act). This allows patients to buy their own health care through the 'personal budget.'

The local Zorgkantoor (Care Office) only checks that the bills patients submit do not exceed their budgets, but there is no check as to whether any care is actually provided. The tax inspectorate's report shows that the average amount in cases of fraud was 35,000 euros. In one case the amount was as high as 150,000 euros.

Radio Netherlands/Expatica