Nationwide Home Healthcare and Hospice Provider Settles $3.85M False Claims Act Allegations

HI INDIA NEWS DESK

DALLAS, TX- Intrepid U.S.A. Inc., headquartered in Dallas, and its subsidiaries have agreed to pay $3.85 million to settle allegations of violating the False Claims Act. The settlement addresses two primary issues: first, that Intrepid knowingly submitted claims to Medicare for home healthcare services for patients who were ineligible for Medicare benefits; and second, that they billed for hospice services for patients who did not qualify for the hospice benefit. The settlement reflects Intrepid’s financial ability to pay.

From 2016 to 2021, 19 Intrepid home healthcare facilities allegedly submitted claims to Medicare for services that were either unnecessary, not provided, or rendered by untrained staff. Additionally, three Intrepid hospice facilities were accused of admitting non-terminally ill patients or continuing care for those who no longer met the hospice benefit criteria.

The settlement was a result of coordinated efforts by the Department of Justice, the U.S. Attorney’s Offices in Kentucky and Minnesota, and the Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). It resolves claims brought under the False Claims Act’s qui tam provisions by whistleblowers, who will collectively receive nearly $694,000 from the settlement.

The government emphasized its commitment to combating healthcare fraud, with the False Claims Act being a vital tool in this effort. The settlement underscores the importance of holding healthcare providers accountable for improper billing practices that undermine patient care. The claims resolved are allegations, with no determination of liability.