Many arrested were alleged to be involved in scams focused on Medicare’s drug benefit
FRIDAY, June 19, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Hundreds of people have been charged after health care fraud sweeps were made across the United States, the federal government said Thursday.
The 243 doctors, nurses, pharmacy owners, and others who were arrested are accused of defrauding Medicare and Medicaid of about $712 million, the Associated Press reported. The crackdown ranged from Dallas to Brooklyn, N.Y., and from Miami to Los Angeles, with the arrests made earlier this week.
Prescription fraud was a main focus of the investigation. More than 40 of those arrested were alleged to be involved in scams focused on Medicare’s drug benefit, the AP reported. Some of the accused also billed for care that wasn’t needed, services that weren’t rendered, and equipment that wasn’t provided.
The sweeps included the Health and Human Services inspector general’s office, the FBI, U.S. attorneys’ offices across the country, and state Medicaid fraud units, according to the AP.
Health Highlights: June 19, 2015
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