States, Feds Seek To Recoup Billions After Health Care Fraud
New York's attorney general indicts the leaders of a Bronx drug and alcohol treatment program for alleged Medicaid fraud. Missouri nets $2.4 million in a Medicaid fraud settlement. And the federal government recovers $3.3 billion in health-care fraud.
Reuters:
New York Charges Narco Freedom Execs In Alleged Medicaid Fraud Scheme
Leaders of a Bronx nonprofit that provides drug and alcohol treatment to tens of thousands of New Yorkers have been indicted over an alleged scheme to plunder the charity and defraud Medicaid of more than $27 million, New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman said. Schneiderman said Narco Freedom cheated Medicaid by submitting claims for excessive services, operating unregulated treatment programs and coercing patients who live in its Freedom Houses to remain in treatment. (Stempel, 3/18)
The Associated Press:
Missouri To Receive $2.4M For Medicaid Fraud Settlement
Missouri Attorney General Chris Koster says the state will get more than $2.4 million from a Medicaid fraud settlement. APS Healthcare and Innovative Resource Group contracted with Missouri from 2008 to 2010 to provide services for the state's chronic care and administrative services programs. The company was responsible for managing preventative care for chronically ill patients on Medicaid to avoid emergency room expenses. (3/18)
The Wall Street Journal:
U.S. Recovers $3.3 Billion In Federal Health-Care Fraud
The government recovered $3.3 billion in fiscal 2014 from individuals and companies that tried to defraud federal health programs, part of an effort by the Obama administration to improve enforcement and prevent abusive billing practices. The administration recovered $7.70 for every dollar spent investigating health-care-related fraud and abuse in the past three years, according to a report to be released Thursday by the Health and Human Services Department and Justice Department. That marks the third-highest return on investment since the antifraud program was launched nearly two decades ago, the report said. (Armour, 3/19)