Justice Department Brings Federal Charges Against 58 People Suspected In Texas Medicare Scam

The Justice Department charged 58 people in a massive Medicare scam targeting the elderly across Texas.

The suspects were believed involved in the statewide scam that included filing false Medicare claims and spreading opioids through “pill mills.”

“Today’s charges highlight the amazing work being done by the Department’s Medicare Fraud Strike Force and our partners in Texas,” Assistant Attorney General Brian A. Benczkowski said in a statement. “As we continue to dedicate resources to battle healthcare and opioid fraud schemes in Texas and elsewhere, we are shining an inescapable light on dirty doctors, clinic owners, pharmacists, and others who may have long believed they could perpetrate their frauds behind closed doors.”

The charges followed a CBS investigation aired Sept. 12 that uncovered the scam.

Recruiters targeted seniors with “free” genetic tests for cancer risks. Targets would file claims, be “prescribed” opioids, and go in for “tests” but never receive any results though Medicare was billed.

Medicare losses are pegged at $66 million. The investigation indicated 6.2 million opioid pills were dispensed.

The scam was found to include multiple health insurance providers, clinics, medical equipment provider, and private businessed across the state.

“Sadly, opioid proliferation is nothing new to Americans,” Houston U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick said. “What is new, is the reinforced fight being taken to dirty doctors and shady pharmacists. Texas may have four U.S. attorneys, but we are focused on one health care mission: shutting down pills mills and rooting out corruption in health care. From Lufkin to Laredo and Dallas to Del Rio, one of us will shut these operations down.”