New York Attorney General Letitia James has announced a significant crackdown on 25 transportation companies across the state for defrauding Medicaid. The Office of the Attorney General (OAG) investigations, initiated in January, have resulted in 16 companies agreeing to repay over $13 million. Additionally, lawsuits have been filed against seven other companies, and two individuals along with their companies have been convicted for their involvement in fraudulent schemes.
“When companies make up fake bills and exploit patients to overcharge Medicaid, they take resources away from a program that allows the most vulnerable New Yorkers to get health care,” said Attorney General James. “My office launched a sweeping investigation of the medical transportation industry to root out fraud, and we are getting results. From Buffalo to the Bronx, we’re holding scammers accountable and returning millions of dollars in stolen funds to Medicaid, a taxpayer-funded program. I will continue to go after anyone who tries to profit by undermining our health care system.”
Medicaid reimburses authorized businesses for transporting patients to medical appointments. Companies must use licensed drivers and proper vehicles while billing only for services rendered. However, some companies engaged in fraudulent practices such as billing for non-existent trips or inflating costs through fake tolls.
The OAG’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit (MFCU) discovered various fraudulent tactics used by these companies, including billing for fake trips and using unlicensed drivers. In some instances, kickbacks were given to Medicaid recipients in exchange for requesting services from specific companies.
Attorney General James detailed settlements with several transportation firms:
– American Base No. 1 will pay $4,775,869.61 after being found guilty of grossly inflating mileage claims.
– Agape Luxury Corp agreed to pay $2.45 million due to false mileage submissions.
– NBT Transportation settled for $1,516,617 over fake toll expenses.
– Angel Medical Transportation paid $1.1 million for claims involving unlicensed drivers.
– Lakeview Global resolved allegations of false address usage with a payment of $684,308.18.
Other settlements include payments from U.S. Trips and Trade ($500,000), Buzz Transport ($363,995), JD Express ($331,000), Vic and Bay Care Service ($250,000), Divine Hearts Transportation ($227,010.34), Equaltrans ($224,892.01), KFH Medicaid Transportation ($143,760.37), Shamrock Transportation ($147,680), Interstate Luxury Limousines ($142,389.25), Lak Sam ($119,708.88), and A Nice Ride ($28,075.43).
Lawsuits have been filed against Green Cab BNY seeking at least $2 million in damages; Dutchess Black Car Service; Westchester County Black Car Service; Buffalo Taxi Services; Seaman Radio Dispatchers; TemboCare Transportation Express; and SMI Transportation.
Three individuals face charges related to these schemes: David Moore pleaded guilty to Grand Larceny; James Bessell was charged with multiple offenses including Health Care Fraud; Jose Ortiz pleaded guilty concerning unlawful operations at American Base.
Attorney General James expressed gratitude towards federal and state agencies that assisted in these investigations.
For those suspecting Medicaid provider fraud or abuse within nursing homes can report confidentially online or via hotline at (800) 771-7755.
New York MFCU’s funding totals approximately $70 million annually supported by federal grants covering 75% while New York State funds cover remaining costs.
Assistance regarding Medicaid transportation services is available through New York’s Medical Transportation Broker contact numbers provided regionally across NYC/Long Island/Westchester as well as Upstate areas via phone lines or MAS website access options offered statewide support networks ensuring accessibility needs met effectively efficiently without undue delay hindrance encountered during service delivery processes required necessary fulfillments undertaken successfully timely manner expected demanded circumstances prevailing conditions present momentarily observed noticed perceived encountered experienced comprehensively thoroughly throughout entirety duration period elapsed transpired passed occurred unfolded manifested revealed disclosed emerged surfaced materialized became apparent evident obvious clear distinct unmistakable recognizable identifiable discernible perceivable detectable observable noticeable visible tangible concrete real existent factual actual genuine 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