Nebraska Attorney General Mike Hilgers has unveiled a significant settlement with ECO Supportive Living, LLC, an Omaha-based provider entangled in deceptive Medicaid billing practices. The settlement underscores the ongoing efforts to maintain the integrity of healthcare funding in the state.
The Allegations Surface
The issue began when the Attorney General’s Medicaid Fraud and Patient Abuse Unit received a troubling referral. Allegations emerged against Kathy and Michael Cohen, contractors with ECO, suggesting they had falsified service claims to Nebraska Medicaid. These claims included an astounding 796 hours of non-rendered care services, purportedly provided to a client who was, in fact, attending an entirely different program during those times.
ECO’s Involvement and Settlement Agreement
ECO Supportive Living faced accusations of knowingly submitting 173 fraudulent claims to Nebraska Medicaid, resulting in an unwarranted \(28,952.01 payout. The company, however, continues to deny any wrongdoing. Nonetheless, to resolve the matter, ECO agreed to a settlement of \)86,506.03—an amount three times the original Medicaid payment.
Inside the Investigation
This meticulous investigation was carried out by the cooperative efforts of the Medicaid Program Integrity Unit of the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services and the Attorney General’s Medicaid Fraud and Patient Abuse Unit. Assistant Attorney General Katherine O’Brien’s contribution was pivotal in navigating this complex case to its settlement.
An Urgent Call for Vigilance
According to Rural Radio Network, the settlement not only recovers funds but serves as a reminder of the necessity for vigilance in healthcare transactions. The case highlights the importance of safeguarding public resources and calls upon providers to adhere to ethical billing practices.
This development marks a step forward in reinforcing trust and transparency within Nebraska’s healthcare support systems. The matter concludes with a promise from legal authorities to uphold strict monitoring and swift action against any further deceitful activities related to Medicaid funding. It’s a clear message: fraudulent practices will not go unnoticed or unpunished in Nebraska.
