The fiscal year 2024 marked a groundbreaking period in the enforcement of the False Claims Act (FCA), with settlements and judgments exceeding $2.9 billion. This milestone highlights the effectiveness of whistleblower efforts and government initiatives in combating fraud and preserving taxpayer dollars. Principal Deputy Associate Attorney General Benjamin C. Mizer and Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney...
In a notable False Claims Act resolution, R&K Enterprises Inc. (R&K), a company based in Newport News, Virginia, has agreed to pay more than $2.6 million to resolve allegations of misrepresenting its eligibility for small business set-aside contracts. This case pointed out opportunities to commit fraud within the programs set up to aid small businesses, showing...
In a significant move to combat the opioid crisis, K-VA-T Food Stores Inc., doing business as Food City, has agreed to a settlement with the U.S. government addressing allegations under the False Claims Act (FCA). The opioid fraud settlement will see Food City pay $8,488,378 to the United States and an additional $78,621 to the...
In a critical development against healthcare fraud, several Southern California-based clinics, a laboratory, and their owners have agreed to pay $10 million to settle allegations of submitting false claims to Medicare and Medi-Cal. The settlement in this case demonstrates the government’s commitment to protecting the integrity of federal healthcare programs and addressing violations involving kickbacks...
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recently finalized its long-anticipated whistleblower program rule, an important step toward ensuring accountability and transparency within the automotive industry. Issued on December 5, 2024, the final rule implements the Motor Vehicle Safety Whistleblower Act, a law enacted in 2015 as part of the Fixing America’s Surface Transportation (FAST)...
The recent move by Pennsylvania pharmacies to consolidate antitrust claims against GoodRx in the District of Rhode Island shines a light on the often murky and generally contentious relationships between pharmacies, pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs), and prescription discount platforms. For whistleblowers who know anything about the often-complex practices of PBMs, this case brings forth the...
The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission recently released its Annual Report to Congress for Fiscal Year 2024, highlighting the significant achievements of its Whistleblower Program. The program is—and has been—a significant component in the protection of investors and maintaining market integrity through incentivizing reporting of possible violations of the securities laws by individuals. Top 5...
2024 witnessed some of the most notable class action lawsuits in the United States, ranging from accusations of antitrust violations to data breaches. The suits were brought not only in pursuit of monetary redress but also to ensure corporate accountability and consumer protection. 1. Blue Cross Blue Shield’s Antitrust Settlement A US judge has granted...
UCHealth, a major health care provider in Colorado, has agreed to pay $23 million to resolve allegations of fraudulent billing in its emergency departments. The settlement addresses claims that UCHealth falsely billed Medicare and Medicaid for more costly levels of care than were necessary, a practice known as “upcoding.” The allegations, brought to light through...
Paragon Systems, Inc., a security contractor for federal agencies, has agreed to pay $52 million to settle allegations of violating the False Claims Act (FCA). According to the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), Paragon allegedly submitted fraudulent claims to the U.S. government for security services that were not provided as promised. This case underscores the...