Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton announced that his office has recovered more than $200 million in fiscal year 2023 from entities and individuals who defrauded the Texas Medicaid system or were accused of doing so. The Office of the Attorney General's Medicaid Fraud Control Unit (MFCU) and Civil Medicaid Fraud Division released a joint annual report with the Texas Health and Human Services Office of the Inspector General, detailing their findings.
According to the report, the Office of the Attorney General returned over $203 million to the state in remedies, penalties, and fines as a result of their investigations and settlements in 2023. The MFCU also achieved significant milestones, obtaining 79 indictments and 61 convictions on various Medicaid fraud charges. These convictions carried an average sentence of 4.6 years.
One noteworthy case involved a pharmacy owner who was sentenced to more than 17 years in federal prison for participating in a fraudulent opioid pill mill scheme. The scheme involved diverting narcotics and submitting fake prescriptions to government health care programs. This case highlights the severity of Medicaid fraud and the Office of the Attorney General's commitment to fighting against it.
The MFCU also identified over $124 million in Medicaid overpayments, further emphasizing the need for vigilant oversight and investigation in the healthcare system. Attorney General Paxton expressed his dedication to pursuing major Medicaid fraud cases and ensuring that those who exploit the system are held accountable.
"We will not tolerate fraudulent activities that drain valuable resources from our healthcare programs," said Attorney General Paxton. "Our office is committed to protecting the integrity of the Texas Medicaid system and ensuring that taxpayer dollars are used appropriately."
The report also highlighted ongoing lawsuits against pharmaceutical companies. One such case involves Pfizer and Tris Pharma, accused of providing adulterated drugs to children and making misrepresentations to the Texas Medicaid program. Another lawsuit alleges that Gilead Sciences engaged in unlawful marketing practices to encourage medical providers to prescribe their drugs over competing medications.
The Office of the Attorney General's efforts in recovering funds and prosecuting Medicaid fraud cases are crucial in safeguarding the integrity of the healthcare system. By holding individuals and entities accountable for their actions, the state of Texas can continue to provide quality healthcare services to its residents.
To access the full year-end report, click [here](insert link).
To learn more, click on this link: https://www.texasattorneygeneral.gov/news/releases/attorney-general-ken-paxton-delivered-over-200-million-texans-medicaid-fraud-investigations-2023