Medicare Strike Force Rounds Up 94 People in $251 Million False Billing Scheme

As the HLP had previously reported, on July 16, the HHS Medicare Fraud Strike Force announced charges against 94 individuals for their alleged participation in schemes that collectively submitted more than $251 million in false claims to Medicare.

The charges are based on a variety of schemes including: physical therapy and occupational therapy schemes, home healthcare schemes, HIV infusion fraud schemes, and durable medical equipment (DME) schemes.

Of note, in Brooklyn, 22 defendants were charged for fraud which involved false billing for physical and occupational therapy and DME, while in Detroit, 11 defendants were charged for their alleged roles in schemes to submit fraudulent claims to Medicare for home health services, nerve conduction tests, and injection and infusion therapy sessions.

With these arrests, U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder announced that “Health care fraud is no longer a safe bet. The federal government is working aggressively–and collaboratively–to pursue health care criminals around the country and to bring these offenders to justice.”

For questions or concerns regarding government investigations or questions and concerns regarding fraud and abuse, please contact Adrienne Dresevic, Esq., Jessica L. Gustafson, Esq., Robert S. Iwrey, Esq., Carey Kalmowitz, Esq., or Abby Pendleton, Esq. at (248) 996-8510 or (212) 734-0128.