MINEOLA — Local lawmakers joined Rep. Steve Israel (D-Dix Hills) on Friday as he outlined legislation he is proposing that aims to stop Medicaid fraud. Legislators said fraud is taking billions of dollars out of the system and away from those who really need help with defraying their medical expenses. According to Israel, his plan would make it easier for counties to prosecute Medicaid fraud and it would let states apply for grants to support local expenses incurred with Medicaid fraud investigations.