reported that the Johns Hopkins Health System has agreed to pay $190 million to settle a lawsuit alleging that it defrauded Medicare and Medicaid by overcharging disabled patients. The lawsuit, filed by two former employees, accused the health system of billing for services that were not necessary or provided, resulting in millions of dollars in improper payments.
The settlement, which is one of the largest of its kind involving alleged violations of the False Claims Act, also includes provisions for ongoing monitoring of the health system’s billing practices to ensure compliance with federal regulations. Johns Hopkins has denied any wrongdoing, stating that it settled the lawsuit to avoid the costs and uncertainties of litigation.
The lawsuit, which stemmed from a whistleblower complaint filed in 2013, alleged that Johns Hopkins systematically overcharged Medicare and Medicaid for services provided to disabled patients, including those with spinal cord injuries and other serious medical conditions. The health system was accused of submitting false claims for reimbursement, resulting in financial losses for the federal government and in some cases, causing harm to patients who did not receive necessary care.
The settlement marks a significant victory for the whistleblowers, who will receive a portion of the funds recovered as a reward for bringing the alleged fraud to light. It also serves as a reminder to other healthcare providers of the importance of ensuring accurate billing practices and compliance with government regulations.
In response to the settlement, a spokesperson for Johns Hopkins stated that the health system remains committed to providing high-quality care to all patients and will continue to work diligently to maintain the trust and confidence of the public.
Source
Photo credit news.google.com