Michigan Pharmacists and Doctors Indicted for Fraudulently Billing Millions of Dollars to Medicare

According to a recent article written by the Detroit Free Press, 26 individuals have been indicted in an alleged Medicare scheme. The indictment alleged that a Michigan pharmacist gave kickbacks and other bribes to doctors in exchange for them writing prescriptions for opiate pain killers and depressants (e.g. Vicodin, Xanax and Oxycontin) and directing them to one of the pharmacies owned by the pharmacist. The alleged Medicare fraud was conducted at more than 20 pharmacies throughout the state, which billed $37 million to Medicare, along with over $20 million to Medicaid. The indictment included 12 pharmacists, 4 doctors, a psychologist, an accountant, and a number of patients who agreed to have their insurers billed.

This indictment is just one of many examples of the government’s focus on the Detroit area in Medicare and Medicaid investigations. For more information on Medicare Fraud defense, or assistance with interpreting and understanding Medicare and Medicaid regulations, including the anti-kickback statute, please contact a Wachler & Associates attorney at 248-544-0888.

Detroit Free Press Article: http://www.freep.com/article/20110803/NEWS05/108030363/Metro-doctors-pharmacists-charged-1-largest-drug-scams-Michigan-history