Brewer & Pritchard, P.C. Comments on Allegations of Medicaid Fraud by City of New York, Computer Sciences Corp
Houston, TX (PRWEB) November 05, 2014 -- Commenting on an Albany Times Union article about allegations of Medicare fraud against a New York City government agency and its contractor, attorney J. Mark Brewer stressed the importance of reporting instances of Medicaid fraud and holding companies that engage in illegal activity accountable.
Brewer, a Medicaid fraud attorney in Texas with 33½ years’ experience, based his comments on a Times Union news report published October 27, “NYC office, vendor accused of fraud.” The article reported that federal authorities recently accused New York City’s Department of Health and Mental Hygiene and its contractor of a five-year scheme to defraud Medicaid. A spokesman for the city’s Law Department denied any fraudulent activity, according to the Times Union.
“While it remains to be seen whether allegations against these organizations are true, it’s critical to understand the importance of reporting alleged instances of Medicaid fraud to federal authorities,” Brewer said. “Organizations suspected of defrauding the government need to be investigated. If the allegations are found to be true, these organizations need to be held accountable.”
Brewer said he applauds the whistleblower, identified in court documents as Vincent Forcier, for stepping forward. “Without the brave work of whistleblowers, many allegations of wrongdoing might never see the light of day,” Brewer said.
According to the Times Union, New York City’s Department of Health and Mental Hygiene allegedly worked with a contractor, Computer Sciences Corp., to exploit loopholes in Medicaid’s computerized billing system that would trigger reimbursements on tens of thousands of false claims for early intervention services for infants and toddlers.
The article noted that among the accusations, it is alleged that the organization and its contractor switched diagnosis codes on children to use a default code that Medicaid would automatically approve. The accusations against the firm followed a whistleblower complaint and was filed under the false claims act, the Times-Union reports. The lawsuit demands triple damages and penalties.
“These allegations of Medicaid fraud serve as yet another example of the critical role whistleblowers play in reporting the fraudulent and illegal conduct of large companies and organizations. Under the False Claims Act, the companies that engage in Medicaid fraud can be held accountable. Whistleblowers then can be rewarded for their courage,” Brewer said. “Our firm has extensive experience protecting the rights of whistleblowers and has pursued claims of Medicaid fraud for decades. We strongly urge individuals who believe they have a case to speak to us immediately.”
The case cited is United States of America ex rel. Vincent Forcier v. Computer Sciences Corporation and the City of New York; case number 12-cv-07150; in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York.
About Brewer & Pritchard, P.C.
Serving clients throughout Texas and across the country, the attorneys at Brewer & Pritchard, P.C. have a well-earned reputation for being knowledgeable, experienced lawyers focused on results. The Houston law firm handles a wide variety of cases, including Medicaid fraud, whistleblower claims, business law, corporate law, mergers, acquisitions and other legal issues. Our law firm discreetly investigates every case and respect’s our clients’ privacy. Not certified by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization.
For more information about what to do if you suspect fraud activity at your company and the legal options available to whistleblowers, call 800-445-8710 or complete the online contact form.
Brewer & Pritchard, P.C.
3 Riverway #1800
Houston, TX 77056
713-209-2950
http://www.bplaw.com
Jacob M Del Hagen, Big Voodoo Interactive, http://www.bigvoodoo.com, +1 (413) 650-0593, [email protected]
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