Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2008. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
Miami Herald - May 29, 2008
Jay Weaver, jweaver@MiamiHerald.com
U.S. Attorney General Michael Mukasey came to the nation's Medicare fraud capital on Wednesday to thank federal agents combating healthcare corruption on the front lines in Miami.
"The sheer number of zeroes following the dollar sign is irresistible to crooks and con men," Mukasey told a packed room of FBI, Health and Human Services and prosecutors at the U.S. attorney's office.
"Fighting the fraud and theft committed by these criminals is vital to preserving our healthcare system -- vital to its financial solvency, as well as its integrity."
FORMER JUDGE
Mukasey, a former federal judge and prosecutor himself, noted the U.S. attorney's office in Miami prosecuted 20 percent of all Medicare fraud cases in the country last year -- far more than larger metropolitan areas such as Los Angeles, Houston and New York.
South Florida's total caseload: 120. Total phony Medicare claims: $638 million.
STRIKE FORCE STARTED
Last year, U.S. Attorney R. Alexander Acosta and the Justice Department established a South Florida strike force of federal agents and prosecutors to target fly-by-night medical equipment providers and healthcare clinics treating HIV/AIDS patients.
They file billions in bogus claims with the government's vulnerable healthcare program for the elderly.
"The work you have started here has led the country on this issue," Mukasey said. "All of these cases take criminals out of the system, and save or return much-needed dollars. They also deter others from trying to game the system."
But he added: "We cannot prosecute our way out of this problem," suggesting that Medicare regulators and federal lawmakers must do more to stop the fraud.
Mukasey's visit to South Florida followed another call to combat Medicare fraud by U.S. Sen. Mel Martinez in February. During a speech at Miami Dade College, the Florida Republican touted his proposal to double criminal and civil penalties for people who abuse the nation's healthcare system.
"The outrage of the people of this country would be much higher if they knew the depth and magnitude of [the fraud]," he said.
080529
MH080503
Copyright © 2008 - Miami Herald. All rights reserved. Reproduced with permission. Reproduction of this article (other than one copy for personal reference) must be cleared through the Miami Herald, Permissions, One Herald Plaza, Miami, FL 33132-1693 TEL: (305) 376-3719. http://www.herald.com.
AEGiS is a 501(c)3, not-for-profit, tax-exempt, educational corporation. AEGiS is made possible through unrestricted funding from Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, Elton John AIDS Foundation, the National Library of Medicine, Pacific Life Foundation and donations from users like you.
Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeared in 2008. This material is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.
AEGiS presents published material, reprinted with permission and neither endorses nor opposes any material. All information contained on this website, including information relating to health conditions, products, and treatments, is for informational purposes only. It is often presented in summary or aggregate form. It is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professionals. Always discuss treatment options with a doctor who specializes in treating HIV.
Copyright ©1980, 2008. AEGiS. All materials appearing on AEGiS are protected by copyright as a collective work or compilation under U.S. copyright and other laws and are the property of AEGiS, or the party credited as the provider of the content. .