Broward County Pharmacy Agrees to Pay the United States $350,000 to Settle Allegations That it Submitted Fraudulent Claims to TRICARE

Healthy Meds Pharmacy Corp., a pharmacy located in Hallandale, Florida has paid the United States $350,000, to settle allegations under the False Claims Act for filling prescriptions in violation of TRICARE’s policy on telemedicine. 

Benjamin Greenberg, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, and John F. Khin, Special Agent in Charge, Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS), made the announcement.

The settlement results from an investigation initiated by the DCIS into Healthy Meds’ alleged violations of TRICARE’s policy on telemedicine.  The United States alleged that between February 2015 and May 2015, Healthy Meds engaged in unsolicited calls to TRICARE beneficiaries, provided medically unnecessary compound medications to beneficiaries, and knowingly filled prescriptions from doctors who did not meet or properly consult with TRICARE beneficiaries.  TRICARE is the Department of Defense program that provides health care benefits to active duty service members, retired service members, and their dependents.

“This settlement shows our continued resolve to pursue providers who improperly provide prescription drugs resulting in significantly increased costs to taxpayers,” said Benjamin Greenberg, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida. 

Special Agent in Charge John F. Khin, Southeast Field Office, Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS), said, “The DoD TRICARE Program relies on health care professionals to provide the best care and services available to our military members and their families, while preserving precious taxpayer dollars.  This settlement demonstrates the effectiveness of DCIS investigations to ensure that medical providers conduct business with integrity and in full compliance with Federal laws.”

The settlement was the result of a coordinated effort by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida and DCIS.  The case was investigated and the settlement negotiated by Assistant U.S. Attorney John C. Spaccarotella.  The claims settled by the lawsuit are allegations only, and there has been no determination of liability.

Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or on http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov.