Acthar Gel, which is approved to treat, among other things, acute exacerbations of multiple sclerosis and infantile spasms. Mallinckrodt ARD LLC, previously Questcor Pharmaceuticals Inc., paid $260 million to resolve separate allegations relating to its drug H.P. The program is funded jointly by states and the federal government. The Medicaid program affords health care coverage to millions of Americans, including some of the nation’s most vulnerable populations, such as eligible low-income adults, children, pregnant women, elderly adults, and people with disabilities. As in years past, the act was used to pursue matters involving a wide array of health care providers, goods, and services. But just as important, enforcement of the False Claims Act deters others who might try to cheat the system for their own gain, and in many cases, also protects patients from medically unnecessary or potentially harmful actions. ![]() These recoveries restore funds to federal programs such as Medicare, Medicaid, and TRICARE, the health care program for service members and their families. In fiscal year 2022, health care fraud remained a leading source of False Claims Act settlements and judgments. Whistleblowers filed 652 qui tam suits in fiscal year 2022, and this past year the department reported settlements and judgments exceeding $1.9 billion in these and earlier-filed suits. When a qui tam action is successful, the whistleblower, also known as the relator, typically receives a portion of the recovery ranging between 15% and 30%. Qui tam cases may be pursued by the government or the whistleblower, and this past year significant recoveries were obtained by both. These whistleblower, or qui tam, actions comprise a significant percentage of the False Claims Act cases that are filed. In 1986, Congress strengthened the False Claims Act by increasing incentives for whistleblowers to file lawsuits alleging false claims on behalf of the government. The recoveries in fiscal year 2022 also reflected the department’s focus on new enforcement priorities, including fraud in pandemic relief programs and alleged violations of cybersecurity requirements in government contracts and grants. The amounts included in the $1.7 billion reflect recoveries arising only from federal losses, and, in many of these cases, the department was instrumental in recovering additional amounts for state Medicaid programs. Of the more than $2.2 billion in False Claims Act settlements and judgments reported by the Department of Justice this past fiscal year, over $1.7 billion related to matters that involved the health care industry, including drug and medical device manufacturers, durable medical equipment, home health and managed care providers, hospitals, pharmacies, hospice organizations, and physicians. The False Claims Act thus serves to safeguard government programs and operations that provide access to medical care, support our military and first responders, protect American businesses and workers, help build and repair infrastructure, offer disaster and other emergency relief, and provide many other critical services and benefits. The False Claims Act imposes treble damages and penalties on those who knowingly and falsely claim money from the United States or knowingly fail to pay money owed to the United States. ![]() “The large number of settlements and judgments this past year demonstrates that the False Claims Act remains one of the most important tools for ensuring that public funds are spent properly and advance the public interest.” “Protecting taxpayer dollars by preventing fraud and abuse is a critical priority for the Department of Justice,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Boynton. Recoveries since 1986, when Congress substantially strengthened the civil False Claims Act, now total more than $72 billion. The government and whistleblowers were party to 351 settlements and judgments, the second-highest number of settlements and judgments in a single year. ![]() Boynton, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Division, announced today. 30, 2022, Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brian M. Settlements and judgments under the False Claims Act exceeded $2.2 billion in the fiscal year ending Sept.
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