BOSTON – The Department of Justice has leveled serious charges against Kartik Bhatia, a 36-year-old man from Geneva, Ill., accusing him of orchestrating a fraudulent scheme that bilked Medicare out of over $2 million. Bhatia stands accused of submitting claims for unnecessary and unwanted durable medical equipment (DME) through his DME company, often using kickbacks to grease the wheels.
Bhatia is charged with one count of conspiracy to commit health care fraud and one count of making false statements. The case against him includes allegations that he worked in cahoots with Raju Sharma and others to operate a fraudulent DME outfit. They allegedly paid telemarketers for orders of orthotics, like braces, that were not needed or desired by Medicare beneficiaries.
According to the charges, many of these beneficiaries never received treatment from the doctors whose signatures adorned the DME orders. When Bhatia’s initial DME company was suspended by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), he reportedly just set up a new one, continuing his fraudulent activities. Bhatia has agreed to enter a guilty plea, admitting to his role in this health care fraud conspiracy, as well as making false statements during the investigation.
The charges against Bhatia carry severe penalties. The conspiracy to commit health care fraud charge could lead to up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and fines reaching $250,000 or twice the gross gain. The false statement charge carries up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $10,000.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Roberto Coviello, Special Agent in Charge of the Health and Human Services-Office of Inspector General; and Ted E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Boston Division, jointly announced these charges today. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lauren Graber and Sarah Hoefle are handling the prosecution.
As per standard procedure, the details contained in the charging document are merely allegations, and Bhatia is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in court.
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Key Facts
- State: Massachusetts
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: Official Source ↗
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