Health care fraud schemes have occurred in roughly $1.4 billion in alleged losses, according to the Department of Justice. Also, criminal charges were making against 138 defendants. They include 42 doctors, nurses, and other licensing medical professionals. This was in 31 federal districts across the U.S. for their again alleging participation.

Health Care Fraud -Telemedicine, COVID-19 and Illegal Opioid Distribution

In $1.1 billion in fraud committed using telemedicine among other “services.” This includes the use of telecommunications technology. Also to thereby provide wellness care services remotely. Also, $29 million in COVID-19 health care fraud. In addition, $133 million is connected to substance abuse treatment facilities. This includes “sober homes.” Moreover, $160 million is also connected to other care fraud. In addition, to illegal opioid distribution schemes also across the country.

Exploiting Benefits Programs and Patients

“The criminal division is at the forefront of the fight against wellness care fraud and opioid abuse. It is based on this nationwide enforcement action. The goal is to prosecute those who have exploited these care benefit programs and their patients for personal gain,” said Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Polite Jr. He works the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “Just announced, the charges send a clear deterrent message. Therefore, it should leave no doubt about the department’s ongoing commitment to ensure the safety of patients. Also the inherent integrity of these programs, even while a pandemic continues to go on.”

Several agencies were involving with the enforcement actions led and coordinating by the Health Care Fraud Unit of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section. They are in conjunction with its Health Care Fraud and Appalachian Regional Prescription Opioid (ARPO) Strike Force program and its core partners. These include the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices, Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG), FBI, and Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), which are part of the department’s continuing efforts to combat the horrific effects of health care fraud and the opioid epidemic.