President Donald Trump has vowed to both restore the rule of law in this country and solve the nation’s opioid crisis — and the Department of Justice (DOJ) just made a major move that involves both of those issues.
The DOJ recently unveiled criminal charges against 601 individuals, at least 100 of whom worked in the medical field, who were involved in opioid prescription and distribution schemes targeting health care programs that cost federal health care programs and insurers more than $2 billion in fraudulent costs.
A big announcement
Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced the recent takedown of the massive fraud scheme in a news conference on Thursday. This announcement was part of a broader, ongoing effort to expose individuals who have been exploiting and profiting off of the opioid abuse epidemic.
“This year, we are charging 601 people, including 76 doctors, 23 pharmacists, 19 nurses, and other medical personnel with more than $2 billion in medical fraud,” Sessions said.
“Much of this fraud is related to our ongoing opioid crisis — which is the deadliest drug epidemic in American history,” the attorney general continued. “Some of our most trusted medical professionals look at their patients — vulnerable people suffering from addiction — and they see dollar signs.”
Sessions revealed that nearly 200 doctors and an additional 220 medical personnel have been charged with opioid-related crimes since January 2017, with just 16 of those doctors being responsible for the illicit prescribing of roughly 20.3 million pills nationwide.
A special task force has already indicted more than 6,500 individuals for opioid-related crimes, and this latest crackdown netted another 162 individuals — 32 of whom are doctors — who were involved in the illegal distribution of opioid drugs.
More Medicare fraud
One example of the criminal fraud unraveled by this most recent investigation involved a doctor who had defrauded Medicare of more than $112 million while illicitly distributing more than 2.2 million doses of opioid drugs like fentanyl and oxycodone.
Another 13 individuals were charged in a fraud ring that siphoned $126 million away from a program intended to aid military health care.
“These cases are vitally important not only to the victims of these fraudsters, but to the entire country. Many of these fraudsters have stolen our tax dollars — and many have helped flood our streets with drugs,” Sessions said. “These are despicable crimes and we’re not going to tolerate them.”
The attorney general made clear that the DOJ is “just getting started” when it comes to fraud and opioid enforcement. He warned: “We are sending a clear message to criminals across the country: we will find you. We will bring you to justice. And you will pay a very high price for what you have done.”
[show_poll poll_id=529]
This is huge news in terms of cracking down on both the opioid abuse epidemic and health care-related fraud, two issues that have been wracking our nation for some time.
Hopefully, as Sessions stated, this is just a small part of a larger, still ongoing effort to bring justice to those who are abusing and exploiting the system.
837 Responses
Having read this I thought it was really enlightening. I appreciate you taking the time and energy to put this informative article together. I once again find myself spending a significant amount of time both reading and leaving comments. But so what, it was still worth it!
There are definitely a lot of details like that to take into consideration. That could be a nice level to carry up. I offer the ideas above as normal inspiration however clearly there are questions like the one you deliver up where an important thing will likely be working in sincere good faith. I don?t know if best practices have emerged around things like that, but I am certain that your job is clearly identified as a fair game. Each boys and girls feel the influence of only a moment’s pleasure, for the remainder of their lives.
I haven’t checked in here for a while since I thought it was getting boring, but the last several posts are good quality so I guess I’ll add you back to my daily bloglist. You deserve it my friend 🙂
I do agree with all the ideas you’ve presented in your post. They are very convincing and will certainly work. Still, the posts are too short for starters. Could you please extend them a bit from next time? Thanks for the post.
Fascinating blog! Is your theme custom made or did you download it from somewhere? A theme like yours with a few simple adjustements would really make my blog shine. Please let me know where you got your design. Kudos
Nice post. I learn something new and challenging on sites I stumbleupon every day. It’s always helpful to read through content from other writers and practice a little something from other websites.
I have been checking out many of your articles and i can state pretty nice stuff. I will make sure to bookmark your site.
The next time I read a blog, I hope that it doesnt disappoint me as a lot as this one. I mean, I do know it was my option to learn, but I truly thought youd have one thing interesting to say. All I hear is a bunch of whining about something that you could fix if you happen to werent too busy looking for attention.
Magnificent web site. A lot of useful info here. I am sending it to some buddies ans additionally sharing in delicious. And of course, thank you in your effort!
Hiya! I know this is kinda off topic however I’d figured I’d ask. Would you be interested in exchanging links or maybe guest writing a blog post or vice-versa? My site discusses a lot of the same subjects as yours and I believe we could greatly benefit from each other. If you’re interested feel free to send me an e-mail. I look forward to hearing from you! Great blog by the way!
I think this is among the most vital info for me. And i’m glad reading your article. But should remark on few general things, The website style is perfect, the articles is really excellent : D. Good job, cheers
Thank you a bunch for sharing this with all of us you actually recognize what you are talking about! Bookmarked. Kindly additionally visit my web site =). We can have a hyperlink alternate contract among us!
I was suggested this web site by my cousin. I’m not certain whether this publish is written by him as nobody else realize such detailed about my difficulty. You’re incredible! Thanks!
It looks like you will find there’s problem with your blog post by using Safari internet browser.
Nice post. I discover some thing harder on distinct blogs everyday. Most commonly it is stimulating to see content from other writers and use something there. I’d opt to apply certain together with the content on my blog whether or not you don’t mind. Natually I’ll provide link on your own internet weblog. Many thanks for sharing.
Can I just say what a relief to seek out someone who really is aware of what theyre speaking about on the internet. You undoubtedly know tips on how to carry an issue to gentle and make it important. Extra people must learn this and perceive this aspect of the story. I cant consider youre not more widespread because you undoubtedly have the gift.
“”Its always good to learn tips like you share for blog posting. As I just started posting comments for blog and facing problem of lots of rejections. I think your suggestion would be helpful for me. I will let you know if its work for me too.”
This is the right blog for anyone who really wants to find out about this topic. You realize a whole lot its almost hard to argue with you (not that I actually would want to…HaHa). You definitely put a fresh spin on a topic that’s been written about for ages. Great stuff, just great!
Great site! I am loving it!! Will be back later to read some more. I am taking your feeds also.
I discovered your blog website on google and check a couple of your early posts. Preserve up the very good operate. I merely additional the Rss to my MSN News Reader. Seeking forward to reading more on your part down the road!…
[…]we like to honor other sites on the web, even if they aren’t related to us, by linking to them. Below are some sites worth checking out[…]…
This web site can be a walk-through its the data it suited you relating to this and didn’t know who ought to. Glimpse here, and you’ll certainly discover it.
Hey there! I simply want to offer you a huge thumbs up for the excellent information you have right here on this post. I will be coming back to your blog for more soon.
This excellent website definitely has all the info I wanted about this subject and didn’t know who to ask.
Hello! I simply wish to give you a huge thumbs up for the great info you’ve got right here on this post. I’ll be coming back to your site for more soon.
Nice post. I learn something totally new and challenging on websites I stumbleupon every day. It will always be useful to read through articles from other authors and practice something from other web sites.
Right here is the right site for anyone who hopes to find out about this topic. You understand a whole lot its almost tough to argue with you (not that I really will need to…HaHa). You certainly put a new spin on a topic that has been discussed for ages. Great stuff, just great!
The following time I read a weblog, I hope that it doesnt disappoint me as a lot as this one. I mean, I know it was my option to learn, but I actually thought youd have one thing fascinating to say. All I hear is a bunch of whining about something that you would repair when you werent too busy in search of attention.
Helpful information. Lucky me I found your web site by accident, and I am stunned why this coincidence did not happened in advance! I bookmarked it.
I found so many interesting stuff in your blog especially its discussion. From the tons of comments on your articles, I guess I am not the only one having all the enjoyment here! keep up the good work.
Well written articles like yours renews my faith in today’s writers. You’ve written information I can finally agree on and use. Thank you for sharing.
Good day! I know this is kinda off topic but I was wondering if you knew where I could get a captcha plugin for my comment form? I’m using the same blog platform as yours and I’m having difficulty finding one? Thanks a lot!
That is very interesting, You’re a very professional blogger. I have joined your feed and sit up for in search of extra of your great post. Also, I have shared your website in my social networks!
I’m not that much of a internet reader to be honest but your sites really nice, keep it up! I’ll go ahead and bookmark your website to come back in the future. Many thanks
This actually answered my drawback, thank you!
What’s Taking place i’m new to this, I stumbled upon this I’ve discovered It absolutely helpful and it has helped me out loads. I am hoping to contribute & help other users like its helped me. Good job.
My partner and I absolutely love your blog and find many of your post’s to be just what I’m looking for. Does one offer guest writers to write content for you personally? I wouldn’t mind creating a post or elaborating on a few of the subjects you write concerning here. Again, awesome weblog!
Thanks for the sensible critique. Me and my neighbor were just preparing to do a little research on this. We got a grab a book from our area library but I think I learned more clear from this post. I’m very glad to see such wonderful information being shared freely out there.
The other day, while I was at work, my sister stole my apple ipad and tested to see if it can survive a 30 foot drop, just so she can be a youtube sensation. My apple ipad is now broken and she has 83 views. I know this is completely off topic but I had to share it with someone!
I truly appreciate this post. I have been looking all over for this! Thank goodness I found it on Bing. You have made my day! Thx again