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Miami Man to Remain Jailed for Trial in Nation’s Largest Medicare Fraud Case

By George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law

On December 3, 2018, a Florida judge ruled that a Miami businessman who has been jailed for more than two years on $1 billion health care fraud charges, must remain in custody through his trial next year. U.S. District Judge Robert N. Scola Jr. found no violation of his due process rights. He also denied Philip Esformes’ motion to dismiss several money laundering charges.

Trial Date is Set.

A February 11, 2019, trial date has been set for one of the nation’s biggest Medicare fraud cases that Esformes allegedly orchestrated through nursing homes and assisted living facilities he owned. According to the government, the scheme resulted in $1 billion in false billing and at least $464 million in improper reimbursement payments from Medicare and Medicaid.

Esformes, has been in federal custody since his arrest in July 2016, and prosecutors voiced concerns early on about him being a risk for flight, possible witness tampering and his substantial resources enabling him to live comfortably overseas.

Judge Scola found that the bid for release deserved reconsideration, but ultimately found delays in the case were more attributable to giving the defense time to review the overwhelming quantity of evidence than time spent addressing the government’s conduct. He also agreed with the government that the duration of Esformes’ detention is not grounds for release under binding precedent.

Additionally, the judge rejected Esformes’ motion to dismiss nine counts of alleging money laundering concealment. Esformes had argued that the government improperly based transactions cited in other counts as alleged payments or receipts of kickbacks. You can read more about that here.

Despite problems with the conduct of prosecutors and agents, the judge is keeping the fraud case on track. The Miami businessman is charged with conspiracy, obstruction, money laundering and health care fraud. Click here to read the U.S. Department of Justice’s press release on this case.

Click here to read one of my prior blogs about a billion dollar fraud scheme in Florida.

Contact Health Law Attorneys Experienced in Handling Medicare Audits, Investigations and other Legal Proceedings.

The attorneys of The Health Law Firm represent healthcare providers in Medicare audits, ZPIC audits and RAC audits throughout Florida and across the U.S., as well as in civil and administrative litigation attempting to recoup claims that have been paid. They also represent physicians, medical groups, nursing homes, home health agencies, pharmacies, hospitals and other healthcare providers and institutions in Medicare and Medicaid investigations, audits, recovery actions and termination from Medicare and Medicaid Program.

The Health Law Firm’s attorneys routinely represent physicians, dentists, orthodontists, medical groups, clinics, pharmacies, assisted living facilities (ALFs), home health care agencies, nursing homes, group homes and other healthcare providers in Medicaid and Medicare investigations, audits and recovery actions.

To contact The Health Law Firm please call (407) 331-6620 or (850) 439-1001 and visit our website at www.TheHealthLawFirm.com.

Hale, Nathan. “Miami Man To Remain Jailed For Trial In $1B Medicare Fraud.” Law360. (December 3, 2018). Web.

Weaver, Jay. “Miami federal judge keeps massive Medicare fraud case on track for trial in January.” Miami Herald. (November 14, 2018). Web.

About the Author: George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., is Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law. He is the President and Managing Partner of The Health Law Firm, which has a national practice. Its main office is in the Orlando, Florida area. www.TheHealthLawFirm.com The Health Law Firm, 1101 Douglas Ave., Altamonte Springs, FL 32714, Phone: (407) 331-6620.

Keywords: Medicare fraud defense representation attorney, legal representation for defense of Medicare fraud charges, Medicare fraud defense attorney, legal representation for allegations of Medicare fraud, legal representation for health care fraud, legal representation for fraudulent billing, legal representation for allegation of defrauding the government, legal representation for submitting false claims, Medicare audit defense attorney, Medicare billing defense attorney, health care clinic fraud audit, legal representation for false billing, legal representation for allegations of unnecessary procedures, legal representation for Medicare audits, Medicaid fraud defense attorney, legal representation for Medicaid fraud, audit defense lawyer, healthcare fraud representation, healthcare fraud lawyer, legal representation for Medicaid audit, Medicaid audit defense attorney, Medicare and Medicaid investigation defense attorney, legal representation for Medicare and Medicaid investigations, OIG investigation defense attorney, legal representation for OIG investigations, Department of Justice (DOJ) investigations, DOJ representation, representation for DOJ investigations, licensure defense lawyer, reviews of the Health Law Firm, The Health Law Firm attorney reviews, Health law defense attorney

“The Health Law Firm” is a registered fictitious business name of and a registered service mark of The Health Law Firm, P.A., a Florida professional service corporation, since 1999.
Copyright © 2018 The Health Law Firm. All rights reserved.

Embezzling Administrator of Pediatric Clinic Faces Health Care Fraud Sentencing

By George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law

An administrator of a Louisiana pediatric clinic has recently pleaded guilty in a health care fraud case. She faces up to 10 years in prison and over $200,000 in fines. The charges allege embezzling more than $500,000 of the clinic’s money and diverting it to her personal account, from approximately August through September of 2014. She allegedly used this massive amount of money to purchase luxury items for herself including jewelry, custom artwork and a motorcycle. Much of the money came from reimbursement the clinic received from the state’s Medicaid program.

The Investigation.

The administrator was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) and Office of Inspector General (OIG) for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The investigation disclosed that the administrator used a business credit card to charge approximately half a million dollars in personal charges. To pay the credit card bills, teh administrator used money from the clinic’s bank accounts, which included its Medicaid reimbursements. She maintained her front by hiding the monthly statement from the clinic and disguising payments. Her sentencing is set for September 7, 2017.

Embezzlement by Employees Should Be Reported to Law Enforcement and Prosecuted.

We have been consulted by health care practices who have had employees embezzle from them. These should always be reported to law enforcement and prosecuted. Employees that do this will also falsify claims to Medicare, medicaid and health insurers, multiplying your problems.

To read an article I published on embezzlement by health care employees, click here.

Contact Health Law Attorneys Experienced with Investigations of Health Professionals and Providers.

The attorneys of The Health Law Firm provide legal representation to physicians, nurses, nurse practitioners, CRNAs, dentists, pharmacists, psychologists and other health providers in accusations of disruptive behavior, Department of Health (DOH) investigations, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) investigations, FBI investigations, Medicare investigations, Medicaid investigations and other types of investigations of health professionals and providers.

To contact The Health Law Firm please call (407) 331-6620 or (850) 439-1001 and visit our website at www.TheHealthLawFirm.com.

Sources:

“Louisiana Woman Pleads Guilty in Health Care Fraud Case.” The Eagle. B.H. Media Group Inc., (01 June 2017). Web.

“Louisiana Woman Pleads Guilty in Health Care Fraud Case.” The Washington Times. The Washington Times. (01 June 2017). Web.

McKnight, Laura. “Marrero Pediatric-clinic Administrator Pleads Guilty to over $536K in Health-care Fraud.” NOLA.com. (31 May 2017). Web.

About the Author: George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., is Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law. He is the President and Managing Partner of The Health Law Firm, which has a national practice. Its main office is in the Orlando, Florida area. www.TheHealthLawFirm.com The Health Law Firm, 1101 Douglas Ave., Altamonte Springs, FL 32714, Phone: (407) 331-6620.

KeyWords: Legal representation for health care embezzlement, legal representation for allegations of health care embezzlement, legal representation for health care employment issues, employment law defense attorney, legal representation for employment conflicts, legal representation for health care professionals, legal representation for work place investigations, legal representation for investigations against health care professionals, health care fraud attorney, health care fraud defense attorney, reviews of the Health Law Firm, The Health Law Firm attorney reviews, Health law defense attorney, legal representation for OIG investigations, legal representation for HHS investigations, legal representation for false billing, legal representation for health care fraud investigations

“The Health Law Firm” is a registered fictitious business name of and a registered service mark of The Health Law Firm, P.A., a Florida professional service corporation, since 1999.
Copyright © 2017 The Health Law Firm. All rights reserved.

Florida Government Officer Charged in Billion Dollar Medicare Fraud

By George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law

Health Care Administrator Accepts Bribes.
An alleged $1 billion health care scheme has lead to the first known prosecution against a Florida Agency for Health Care Administration official. Bertha Blanco faces a wide range of charges including accepting bribes to tip off individuals when state wide investigations were to begin.

The Ring Alleged Ring Leader.

It is reported that Blanco oversaw inspections by the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration or “AHCA” of Florida nursing homes owned by Phillip Esformes. Blanco was allegedly taking bribes to tip off Esformes of violations reported to the state agency before the investigation (or “survey”) even began. This allegedly allowed Esformes to attempt to fix or remedy the deficiencies that were reported even before the investigation began and to maintain his. Esformes is alleged to have billed the federal government for questionable patient services. Esformes is reported to be the ring leader in this Medicare fraud case and is facing years of jail time if his defense does to prevail.

Billion Dollar Scheme Puts Many People Away.

Bertha Blanco is reported to be the first Agency for Health Care Administration official charged with allegedly accepting bribes. Blanco, Esformes, and many more individuals are being charged in this billion dollar case.

Health Care Fraud Should Not Be Taken Lightly.

We have been consulted by many individuals, both before and after criminal convictions for fraud or related offenses. In many cases, those subject to Medicare fraud audits and investigations refuse to acknowledge the seriousness of the matter. Additionally individuals facing embezzlement charges should realize the severity of the offense. Some may even decide not to spend the money required for a highly experienced health attorney to defend them.

The government is serious about combating health care fraud and embezzlement.. False claims are a growing problem in the program, costing the government billions of dollars each year. Accordingly, punishments for defrauding the system can be quite severe.
If you are accused of Medicaid or Medicare fraud, realize that you are in a fight for your life. Your liberty, property/possessions and profession are all at stake.

To read further about the seriousness of health care fraud you can read additional blogs of mine here.

To read further on how the government is cracking down on health care fraud, click here to read one of my prior blogs.

Contact Health Law Attorneys Experienced in Handling Medicare Audits, Investigations and other Legal Proceedings.

The attorneys of The Health Law Firm represent healthcare providers in Medicare audits, ZPIC audits and RAC audits throughout Florida and across the U.S. They also represent physicians, medical groups, nursing homes, home health agencies, pharmacies, hospitals and other healthcare providers and institutions in Medicare and Medicaid investigations, audits, recovery actions and termination from Medicare and Medicaid Program.

The Health Law Firm’s attorneys routinely represent physicians, dentists, orthodontists, medical groups, clinics, pharmacies, assisted living facilities (ALFs), home health care agencies, nursing homes, group homes and other healthcare providers in Medicaid and Medicare investigations, audits and recovery actions.

To contact The Health Law Firm please call (407) 331-6620 or (850) 439-1001 and visit our website at www.TheHealthLawFirm.com.

Sources:

Press, The Associated. “Florida Health Care Admin Charged in $1B Medicare Fraud Case.” WTOP. 29 July 2017

“Three Individuals Charged in $1 Billion Medicare Fraud and Money Laundering Scheme.” The United States Department of Justice. N.p., (22 July 2016). Web.

Keywords: Medicare Fraud, legal representation for Medicare fraud, Medicare fraud defense attorney, legal representation for allegations of Medicare fraud, legal representation for health care fraud, legal representation for fraudulent billing, legal representation for allegation of defrauding the government, legal representation for submitting false claims, Medicare audit defense attorney, Medicare billing defense attorney, health care clinic fraud audit, legal representation for false billing, legal representation for allegations of unnecessary procedures, legal representation for Medicare audits, Medicaid fraud defense attorney, legal representation fr Medicaid fraud, legal representation for Medicaid audit, Medicaid audit defense attorney, Medicare and Medicaid investigation defense attorney, legal representation for Medicare and Medicaid investigations, OIG investigation defense attorney, legal representation for OIG investigations, reviews of the Health Law Firm, The Health Law Firm attorney reviews, Health law defense attorney

“The Health Law Firm” is a registered fictitious business name of and a registered service mark of The Health Law Firm, P.A., a Florida professional service corporation, since 1999.Copyright © 2017 The Health Law Firm. All rights reserved.

Embezzling Administrator of Pediatric Clinic Faces Health Care Fraud Sentencing

By George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law

An administrator of a Louisiana pediatric clinic has recently pleaded guilty in a health care fraud case. She faces up to 10 years in prison and over $200,000 in fines. The charges allege embezzling more than $500,000 of the clinic’s money and diverting it to her personal account, from approximately August through September of 2014. She allegedly used this massive amount of money to purchase luxury items for herself including jewelry, custom artwork and a motorcycle. Much of the money came from reimbursement the clinic received from the state’s Medicaid program.

The Investigation.

The administrator was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) and Office of Inspector General (OIG) for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The investigation disclosed that the administrator used a business credit card to charge approximately half a million dollars in personal charges. To pay the credit card bills, teh administrator used money from the clinic’s bank accounts, which included its Medicaid reimbursements. She maintained her front by hiding the monthly statement from the clinic and disguising payments. Her sentencing is set for September 7, 2017.

Embezzlement by Employees Should Be Reported to Law Enforcement and Prosecuted.

We have been consulted by health care practices who have had employees embezzle from them. These should always be reported to law enforcement and prosecuted. Employees that do this will also falsify claims to Medicare, medicaid and health insurers, multiplying your problems.

To read an article I published on embezzlement by health care employees, click here.

Contact Health Law Attorneys Experienced with Investigations of Health Professionals and Providers.

The attorneys of The Health Law Firm provide legal representation to physicians, nurses, nurse practitioners, CRNAs, dentists, pharmacists, psychologists and other health providers in accusations of disruptive behavior, Department of Health (DOH) investigations, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) investigations, FBI investigations, Medicare investigations, Medicaid investigations and other types of investigations of health professionals and providers.

To contact The Health Law Firm please call (407) 331-6620 or (850) 439-1001 and visit our website at www.TheHealthLawFirm.com.

Sources:

“Louisiana Woman Pleads Guilty in Health Care Fraud Case.” The Eagle. B.H. Media Group Inc., (01 June 2017). Web.

“Louisiana Woman Pleads Guilty in Health Care Fraud Case.” The Washington Times. The Washington Times. (01 June 2017). Web.

McKnight, Laura. “Marrero Pediatric-clinic Administrator Pleads Guilty to over $536K in Health-care Fraud.” NOLA.com. (31 May 2017). Web.

About the Author: George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., is Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law. He is the President and Managing Partner of The Health Law Firm, which has a national practice. Its main office is in the Orlando, Florida area. www.TheHealthLawFirm.com The Health Law Firm, 1101 Douglas Ave., Altamonte Springs, FL 32714, Phone: (407) 331-6620.

KeyWords: Legal representation for health care embezzlement, legal representation for allegations of health care embezzlement, legal representation for health care employment issues, employment law defense attorney, legal representation for employment conflicts, legal representation for health care professionals, legal representation for work place investigations, legal representation for investigations against health care professionals, health care fraud attorney, health care fraud defense attorney, reviews of the Health Law Firm, The Health Law Firm attorney reviews, Health law defense attorney, legal representation for OIG investigations, legal representation for HHS investigations, legal representation for false billing, legal representation for health care fraud investigations

“The Health Law Firm” is a registered fictitious business name of and a registered service mark of The Health Law Firm, P.A., a Florida professional service corporation, since 1999.
Copyright © 2017 The Health Law Firm. All rights reserved.