An anonymous tipster named “Gold Piano” was among the first to come forward with a lead for Providence’s new whistleblower hotline: A retired city police officer whose ex-wife’s health insurance was still being covered through the city.
The complaint became one of four full investigations in the first year of SpeakUp!PVD, the city’s whistleblower hotline introduced in January 2025 by the city’s internal auditor, Gina Costa.
Gold Piano’s allegation of improper health plan coverage was later substantiated, and calculated by Costa to have cost the city a modest $831.42 for the ex-spouse’s coverage. Now the auditor said she’s asked the city for broader verification of policies regarding retirees’ dependents…