Oshkosh pharmacy owner to pay hefty settlement for alleged billing fraud
Joan Kicken and her Oshkosh pharmacy will pay $3.42 million to settle alleged Medicare and Medicaid billing fraud.Summary
U.S. Attorney Lesley Woods stated, "Medicaid and Medicare exist to ensure that every American has access to the care they need. Fraud against these programs is an attack on that promise," and added that the case shows a commitment to pursue healthcare fraud aggressively. HHS‑OIG Special Agent Linda T. Hanley said, "Those who defraud Medicaid and Medicare will be held accountable," noting the office will not hesitate to investigate and expose offenders. Nebraska Attorney General Mike Hilgers remarked, "Medicaid funds are provided by hardworking taxpayers. Stolen Medicaid funds harm Nebraska’s most vulnerable citizens," and thanked the partnership that recovered the stolen funds. The settlement of $3,423,389.84 resolves allegations that Joan Kicken and her company AME P.C. billed Medicare and Medicaid for drugs never prescribed or dispensed and overcharged for brand‑name medications while dispensing generics. The announcement also highlighted the new National Fraud Enforcement Division and provided the HHS tip line 800‑447‑8477 for reporting fraud.
(Source：North Platte Bulletin)