As reported in the Walls Street Journal last week, the U.S. Department of Justice and other government agencies charged 94 individuals across five states on Friday, accusing them of submitting a combined $251 million in fraudulent claims to Medicare, the largest takedown since the Medicare Fraud Strike Force began operating three years ago.

The government’s multi-agency task force unveiled the charges related to separate schemes in Miami, Baton Rouge, La.; Brooklyn, N.Y.; Detroit and Houston, which included using a variety of medical services and fraud schemes that overcharged the government’s health program in order for the defendants to pocket reimbursement money.

“The Department of Justice has increased efforts to combat Medicare Fraud.” says Joel Androphy, Partner at Trial Firm Berg and Androphy.  ”Criminal charges have been brought against medical service providers in 5 cities.   Although a whistleblower – qui tam – lawsuit is the best weapon to combat fraud, it is important for the DOJ to independently pursue criminal charges.   Qui Tam lawsuits are about money.   Many qui tam lawsuits are not pursued, however,  because the perpetrators have no money.  Criminal cases will send people to jail.”