Florida pharmacy to pay $800,000 to resolve claims of false billing

FLORIDA — A Springhill pharmacy has agreed to pay $800,000 to settle false billing claims, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida has announced.

United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that 4 Corners Pharmacy, located in Spring Hill, Florida, has agreed to pay $800,000 to resolve allegations that it violated the False Claims Act by knowingly billing the U.S. Department of Labor for a compound supplement that was either not ordered by a licensed healthcare provider or was never delivered to beneficiaries.

The Department of Labor provides benefits authorized by the Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program Act, including compensation and payment of medical expenses to eligible claimants who were injured or became ill on the job or to their families.

“Pharmacies are not allowed to bill federal programs for medications that are not delivered to beneficiaries or that were never ordered by their healthcare provider,” said Handberg.

“This settlement reflects our determination to hold accountable those who seek to exploit our federal healthcare programs.”

The civil settlement includes the resolution of claims brought by private individuals on behalf of the United States under the qui tam (commonly known as “whistleblower”) provisions of the False Claims Act.

Under those provisions, a private party can file an action on behalf of the United States and receive a portion of any recovery if the government takes over the case and obtains judgment against or reaches a monetary agreement with the defendant.

This matter was investigated by the U.S. Department of Labor – Office of Inspector General. Assistant United States Attorney Sean Keefe handled it.

The claims resolved by this settlement are allegations only, and there has been no determination of liability.