The Department of Justice has announced criminal charges against five individuals and one company for their role in a widespread probe into Medicare and Medicaid fraud. The investigation found that the defendants received kickbacks from patients attending substance abuse services in exchange for attending treatment, and billed Medicare for unnecessary durable medical equipment.
Acting United States Attorney Daniel P. Bubar stated that fraud against the healthcare system is not a victimless crime, threatening patient care, taxpayers, and trust in critical programs. The five individuals charged include:
– Kimberly Mable Sims, owner of Life Touch, LLC
– Francine Sims Super, office manager at Life Touch
– Keke Komeko Johnson, compliance officer at Life Touch
– Brandon Eugene Sims, previously charged in the case
– Randal Fenton Wood, 56, of Flagler Beach, Florida
The investigation found that Life Touch, a substance abuse treatment company based in Kinston, received over $25 million in Medicaid payments due to false billing practices. The defendants also allegedly made false statements to Medicaid auditors and failed to file tax returns.
This is the latest action taken by the Health Care Fraud Strike Force, which has charged over 5,400 defendants collectively billing Medicare, Medicaid, and private health insurers more than $27 billion since its inception in March 2007.
Source: https://abc11.com/post/nc-healthcare-professionals-among-charged-massive-fraud-case/16892315