The government recovered less money — $1.9 billion — from healthcare fraud cases in 2015 than in any of the previous six years. The Department of Justice collected $1 billion less in 2015 than in 2014.
The Department of Justice has recovered less money possibly because of the lack of large drug industry settlements. Though the amount recovered is reduced, there is still a large focus on healthcare fraud cases.
From Crain’s Chicago Business:
“The recoveries are still high, and there’s still a real focus at the Department of Justice on these cases,” said Jennifer Weaver, a partner at Waller Lansden Dortch & Davis who represents providers, after noting she’s not seeing any decrease in healthcare fraud cases and that many are still under seal, or confidential.
The DOJ pulled in more than $1.9 billion from healthcare fraud settlements and judgments in 2015, according to the department. That’s down from $2.4 billion in 2014, and a record-setting $3 billion in 2012. The $1.9 billion recovered this year makes up more than half of the $3.5 billion the government recouped from fraud cases across all industries.
Whistle-blowers earned $330 million from healthcare fraud cases this year. In successful False Claims Act cases, whistle-blowers are entitled to a percentage of what the government recovers.
Hospitals paid $330 million in settlements in 2015.
Photo by Pictures of Money via Flickr CC License
