March 3, 2015
False Claims Act Legal News
When it comes to False Claims Act lawsuits, there are a number of confidentiality protections in place that are not generally required in a typical civil lawsuit. For instance, relators are required to file their lawsuit under seal and keep the details of the claims confidential until the defendant has […]
March 2, 2015
Contractor Fraud
In a recent False Claims Act settlement, California contractors Arbon and its subsidiary Rite-Hite have agreed to pay $4 million to settle claims of unlawful wage practices involving its employees. Under the False Claims Act, it is considered a violation for a contractor to breach the terms of its agreement […]
February 27, 2015
Medicaid Fraud
The Medicaid program is a need-based health insurance program run by the federal and state governments. In most instances, the federal government matches state funding dollar-for-dollar. However, states generally have latitude in determining the type, extent and frequency of services covered. In Illinois, certain medical transport services (aside from emergency […]
February 26, 2015
Healthcare Fraud
In yet another healthcare fraud settlement, Tennessee-based Ageless Men’s Health has been targeted by the Department of Health and Human Services, as well as the Department of Justice, for fraudulently billing Medicare and TRICARE for medically unnecessary male hormone therapy services. When treating patients enrolled in government healthcare programs, certain […]
February 25, 2015
Healthcare Fraud
When it comes to unlawful billing practices settled under the False Claims Act, nursing homes and long-term care facilities are frequently implicated in fraudulent misconduct with regard to the various services they offer to residents. In today’s case, the federal government recently reached a settlement with Kentucky-based Associates in Eye Care following […]
February 24, 2015
Healthcare Fraud
Medtronic, Inc. – a company familiar with false claims allegations – has agreed to pay $2.8 million to settle claims it unlawfully induced physicians and medical practitioners to use its spinal neuromodulation devices to treat conditions not considered by the FDA when the product was granted approval. This dangerous and […]
February 23, 2015
Healthcare Fraud
Medical device manufacturer EV3, an owner of the subsidiary Covidien, Inc., has agreed to pay $1.25 million to settle a False Claims Act lawsuit brought about following allegations it intentionally offered fraudulent billing advice to hospitals with regard to the use of its atherectomy products. The case was settled after […]
February 20, 2015
General
One of the world’s largest manufacturers of eco-friendly reusable shopping bags has settled claims it unlawfully evaded customs payments by using a complex invoicing scheme designed to intentionally defraud the government out of money. Following a whistleblower lawsuit filed by a former executive with Green Bag Co., Inc., investigators from […]
February 19, 2015
Healthcare Fraud
In today’s case, we explore a somewhat increasing phenomenon of unlawful and fraudulent billing practices pertaining to palliative (i.e., end of life) care. When it comes to palliative care, Medicaid and Medicare enrollees may receive coverage for hospice services as long as certain criteria are met. Namely, there must be […]
February 18, 2015
Healthcare Fraud
Home-based nursing care is considered somewhat of a luxury under government healthcare regulations. This means there are limited circumstances under which programs like Medicare, Medicaid, or TRICARE will reimburse a company for home-based services. Patients must meet strict eligibility criteria prior to receiving reimbursement. Under current guidelines, a medical doctor […]
February 17, 2015
Medicaid Fraud
A recent press release from the Department of Justice alleged that several hospitals within the nationwide Community Health System (CHS) chain made unlawful donations to various county governments in violation of state and federal Medicaid laws. The scheme occurred under New Mexico’s supplemental Medicaid program, which primarily served rural and […]
February 16, 2015
Contractor Fraud
Under the federal False Claims Act, it is unlawful for individuals and businesses to submit claims for reimbursement or funding based on fraudulent, falsified, or exaggerated facts. If a company submits improper claims and evidence shows there was intent to defraud (as opposed to accidental fraud), the business may have […]