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Old February 21st, 2014 #1
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Post 25 charged in largest healthcare fraud bust in D.C. history, feds say



25 charged in largest healthcare fraud bust in D.C. history, feds say

D.C. Crime Stories

dccrimestories.com

February 21st, 2014


More than 20 people have been arrested in what federal prosecutors are calling the largest healthcare fraud takedown in the history of the District of Columbia.

Following a multi-year-long investigation into bogus billing practices, more than 200 law enforcement agents spread across the region Thursday to raid homes and businesses, make arrests and seize dozens of bank accounts and property.

Those arrested include operators of home care agencies, operators of nurse staffing agencies, office workers and personal care assistants. One woman is accused of bilking taxpayers out of $75 million.

“This investigation has revealed that Medicaid fraud in the District of Columbia is at epidemic levels,” said U.S. Attorney Ronald Machen. “This fraud diverts precious taxpayer dollars, drives up the cost of health care, and jeopardizes the strength of a program that serves the most vulnerable members of our society.”

Investigators uncovered numerous and separate schemes involving fraud, kickbacks, and false billings in the growing field of home care services for D.C. Medicaid patients. Medicaid pays for home health care aides to help patients with daily living, such as getting in and out of bed, bathing, dressing and keeping track of medication.

In one scheme, Florence Bikundi, 51, of Bowie, the owner of three home care agencies, who was barred from participating in federal health care programs after her nursing license was revoked, is accused of collecting more than $75 million through the District of Columbia and Maryland Medicaid programs.

Read more at DCCrimeStories.com



read full article at source: http://www.thedailysheeple.com/25-ch...eds-say_022014
 
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Washington, D.C., CARE (relief agency), Health, February Revolution, Collecting

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