Justice Department charges Arkansas man in $100M COVID scam
An Arkansas man who owned or managed several diagnostic testing laboratories has been indicted on healthcare fraud charges in connection with $100 million in false billings.
The billings covered urine testing, COVID-19 testing and other clinical laboratory services. The billings also covered testing for respiratory illnesses during the COVID pandemic. The man, Billy Joe Taylor, 42, controlled and directed multiple diagnostic laboratories, and used those labs to submit more than $100 million in false and fraudulent claims to Medicare, the Justice Department alleges.
Taylor allegedly obtained medical information and private personal information for Medicare beneficiaries that was misused to submit claims to Medicare for tests that were not ordered by medical providers and were not actually performed. He then used the proceeds to fund a lavish lifestyle, including purchasing a Rolls Royce Wraith, real estate, jewelry, guitars and other luxury clothing and items.
He is charged with 16 counts of healthcare fraud and one count of engaging in a monetary transaction in criminally-derived property. Arraignment is scheduled for Nov. 23, and each count is punishable with up to 10 years in prison.
Amy joined TriMed Media as a Senior Writer for HealthExec after covering home care for three years. When not writing about all things healthcare, she fulfills her lifelong dream of becoming a pirate by sailing in regattas and enjoying rum. Fun fact: she sailed 333 miles across Lake Michigan in the Chicago Yacht Club "Race to Mackinac."