Attorney General Jeff Sessions and HHS Secretary Tom Price announced today the largest ever health care fraud enforcement action by the U.S. Medicare Fraud Strike Force. The action involved 412 defendants including 115 doctors, nurses, and other medical professionals for their alleged involvement with $1.3 billion in false billings.
Over 120 of those defendants were charged for their roles in prescribing opioids and other dangerous narcotics. Last year approximately 59,000 Americans died of drug overdoses, with many of those from the misuse of prescription drugs.
“This week, thanks to the work of dedicated investigators and analysts, we arrested once-trusted doctors, pharmacists and other medical professionals who were corrupted by greed,” said Acting Director of the FBI, Andrew McCabe. “The FBI is committed to working with our partners on the front lines of the fight against heath care fraud to stop those who steal from the government and deceive the American public.”
Three defendants in Georgia were charged in two health care fraud schemes involving nearly $1.5 million in fraudulent billing. Two of the defendants were brought to the Government’s attention by the attorneys at Bracker & Marcus.
For additional details, please see the Department of Justice press release, found here.