Owners of Home Health Agency Sentenced for $80 Million Health Care Fraud Scheme.
The United States District Court for the District of Columbia (D.C.) recently sentenced the owners of Global Healthcare Inc., a home care agency, for participating in a Medicaid fraud scheme. Michael and Florence Bikundi received 7 and 10 years in prison, respectively, for defrauding the D.C. Medicaid program of over $80 million. The Bikundis were ordered to pay nearly $80.6 million in restitution and forfeit roughly $52 million in cash and assets.
Trial evidence demonstrated the following:
- Florence Bikundi fraudulently obtained approval to become a Medicaid provider for Global Healthcare following her exclusion from Medicaid and revocation of her nursing license.
- The Bikundis used Global HealthCare, Inc. to carry out health care fraud in the D.C. Medicaid program, creating falsified time sheets, patient files, and employment files; and
- The Bikundis billed Medicaid for services not fully provided and enlisted others to assist in concealing their fraudulent activity.
The Bikundis used the stolen Medicaid funds to finance their lavish lifestyle. Seven other individuals pleaded guilty to charges stemming from the investigation, while two remain fugitives. The investigation was a collaborative effort between the FBI, Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (OIG), U.S. Secret Service, and D.C.’s OIG Medicaid Fraud Control Unit.
The DOJ Justice News article is available at:
United States Department of Justice. “Owners of Home Health Care Agency Sentenced to Prison for Taking Part in $80 Million Medicaid Fraud.” Justice News. 1 Jun. 2016.