Roger B. Handberg, U.S. Attorney | U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Florida
LiveCare Inc., a company based in Venice, Florida, has agreed to a settlement of up to $4.9 million. The settlement addresses allegations that the company violated the Anti-Kickback Statute and False Claims Act by unlawfully paying for referrals of Medicare beneficiaries.
The announcement was made by United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg. LiveCare is known for providing remote patient monitoring services to patients with Type 2 diabetes.
“Violations of the Anti-Kickback Statute undermine the integrity of our healthcare system,” stated U.S. Attorney Roger B. Handberg. He emphasized that his office would hold accountable those providers participating in the federal health care system who commit such violations.
Ricardo M. Carcas, Acting Special Agent in Charge from the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG), commented on the issue as well: “Kickback schemes waste valuable Medicare funds and undermine the integrity of medical decision-making.” He added that their agency would continue investigating health care fraud, including issues related to remote patient monitoring.
The civil settlement also resolves claims brought by private individuals under the qui tam provisions of the False Claims Act. These provisions allow private parties to file actions on behalf of the United States and potentially receive a portion of any recovery if successful.
This investigation was conducted by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General and managed by Assistant United States Attorney Sean Keefe.
It is important to note that these resolved claims are only allegations, with no determination of liability having been made.
