Eight Doctors and Nurses Arrested in $60 Million Southern California Medicare Fraud Scheme
The U.S. Department of Justice announced a major health care fraud crackdown in Southern California, arresting eight doctors and nurses and charging more than a dozen individuals in a scheme that allegedly defrauded Medicare and Medicaid of approximately $60 million through fraudulent hospice care services.
Key Points
- Eight doctors and nurses arrested in Southern California healthcare fraud crackdown
- Approximately $60 million in Medicare and Medicaid fraud alleged
- Fraud primarily involved fraudulent hospice care services
- CMS head Dr. Mehmet Oz announced plans to review all California hospices this year
Full Details
The U.S. Department of Justice on Thursday announced what they called a major health care fraud takedown throughout Southern California. First Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli was joined during a press conference by the FBI and Dr. Mehmet Oz, head of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Eight people were arrested and more than a dozen are being charged for suspected health fraud which federal authorities say resulted in the loss of some $60 million. The fraud was primarily tied to fraudulent hospice care, with Oz stating that authorities plan to review every single hospice in California this year. During the press conference, Essayli and Oz pointed the finger at Gov. Gavin Newsom and Los Angeles County, claiming there has been a lack of leadership. Oz noted that hospice fraud began to really take off during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Why It Matters
This crackdown signals increased federal scrutiny on hospice care and could lead to broader investigations nationwide. The involvement of CMS head Dr. Oz suggests the agency is taking an aggressive stance on healthcare fraud enforcement.
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