NY Pharmacist Pleads Guilty to Phantom Billing Medicaid Fraud

A pharmacist who owned and operated a Medicine Shoppe pleaded guilty to billing Medicaid for drugs and supplies that were never dispensed to patients.  She was accused of stealing more than $93,000 from the New York Medicaid program.

The pharmacist and pharmacy owner pleaded guilty to larcency in state court.  She will be sentenced to three years of probation.  She will also be required to pay restitution of $93,406.02 to the Medicaid program.

This case is typical of many Medicaid fraud cases involving pharmacists and their pharmacies.  This pharmacist was caught because she allegedly billed the Medicaid program for approximately 18 different drugs, treatments and supplies that she did not purchase.  Other pharmacists have been caught and convicted of Medicaid fraud because their claims for drugs allegedly dispensed to patients far exceeded their purchases.

New York Medicaid fraud investigations are usually conducted by lawyers, investigators, and auditors assigned to the state’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit (MFCU).  It is a very large, active and aggressive unit within the New York State Attorney General’s office.  In 2012, MFCU investigations and prosecutions resulted in more than $335 million in restitution to the state from individuals and companies engaged in Medicaid fraud and abuse.

If you are under investigation or have been charged with Medicaid fraud, then you should consult with an experienced Medicaid fraud attorney immediately to protect yourself.  The penalties for Medicaid fraud can be severe.  Failing to handle the investigation properly could result in the loss of your livelihood, your license, and your freedom.

To arrange a free and confidential consultation with an experienced Medicare and Medicaid fraud attorney, call John Howley, Esq. at (212) 601-2728, or click here to reach our office via email.

John Howley, Esq.

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