I was in court this past week for an unfortunate scenario: family members were fighting over guardianship for their elderly mother.
The primary fight was over where mother would receive proper health care- at home through a home care agency, or through some nursing facility.
As a side note, this case was a classic example of why estate planning is crucial – and having the correct documents in place (financial and medical powers of attorney) that give power to loved ones to act in your best interest.
In the news,
The U.S Dept of Justice reported today the 65 month prison sentence imposed on an owner of a home healthcare agency who perpetrated a medicaid fraud scheme over a 2 year span. http://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/2013/November/13-crm-1191.html
The Owner of a Michigan home health care company called “Acure” was found guilty of paying doctors to refer non-homebound patients for physical therapy treatment that was medically unnecessary.
According to the press release, evidence presented at trial established that the owner, Javidan paid physical therapists and physical therapy assistants employed by Acure to create false and fraudulent physical therapy files using the blank, pre-signed forms to make it appear as if physical therapy services were actually rendered, when in fact, the services had not been rendered.
Javidan then directed the submission of Acure’s falsified billing to Medicare. Acure was paid more than $2.2 million from Medicare between December 2008 and November 2010.
Interestingly, a government task force was created to combat this type of fraud. The Task Force is known as: Health Care Fraud Prevention and Enforcement Action Team (HEAT)
To learn more about HEAT, go to www.stopmedicarefraud.gov.
The DOJ reports that since its inception in March 2007, the Medicare Fraud Strike Force,has charged more than 1,500 defendants who have collectively billed the Medicare program for more than $5 billion.
…Yikes! There is a lot of financial abuse going on!
In addition, HHS’s Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, working in conjunction with HHS-OIG, are taking steps to increase accountability and decrease the presence of fraudulent providers.\
I am thankful for the vigilance of our government in combating this abuse.
It also reminds me that decisions over where elderly loved ones receive home health care are very important!
email: Jeshua@dwlawpc.com
Purpose Driven General Counsel 