U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett | U.S. Department of Justice
Louisville, KY – U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett from the Western District of Kentucky has announced a settlement involving CompreCare Health LLC and its affiliates, known as Meditelecare LLC. The company has agreed to pay $358,514 to address allegations that it billed Medicare for telehealth psychotherapy sessions that did not meet required time standards. CompreCare Health operates out of Connecticut and provides services in at least 17 states, including Kentucky.
“I commend the outstanding effort of the attorneys and investigators who worked on this case on behalf of the United States,” stated U.S Attorney Bennett. “Those who bill Medicare for timed services must do so accurately as we take these matters very seriously and will vigorously pursue claims that Medicare is being overcharged.”
The government alleged that between January 1, 2017, and November 30, 2022, Meditelecare submitted claims to Medicare for telehealth psychotherapy sessions using false time records. These claims did not satisfy the minimum time requirements necessary for payment. The allegations were brought forth by a whistleblower lawsuit filed in federal court in Bowling Green, Kentucky under United States ex rel. Laura Cole and Tiffany Saylor v. MedOptions of Kentucky, et al., 1:19-cv-171-GNS (WDKY).
Assistant U.S. Attorneys A. Matthew Weyand and William F. Campbell represented the United States in this case. The investigation was conducted by Auditor Phil Bezehertny and Federal Investigator Cristal Fox from the United States Attorney’s Office along with special agents from the Defense Criminal Investigative Service and the Office of Inspector for the Department of Health and Human Services.
