WASHINGTON (AP) — Officials say Medicare is adopting technology similar to what credit card companies use to screen claims for clues that can predict fraud.

The Obama administration announced Friday it has a awarded a contract worth up to $77 million to defense contractor Northrop Grumman and a group of companies for the new system, which will begin operating July 1.

Medicare anti-fraud czar Peter Budetti said it will allow the giant health care program for seniors to spot suspect claims and providers before the government sends out a check. Right now, investigators usually wind up chasing fraudsters after they've been paid. Savvy scam artists just shut down and open up again somewhere else.

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