⏱ 2 min read
Salud Para La Gente, a nonprofit network of primary care clinics in Santa Cruz and Monterey counties, has agreed to pay $750,000 to resolve allegations of submitting false claims to Medicaid for misbranded contraceptives. Between May 17, 2017, and September 11, 2020, Salud purchased and administered misbranded etonogestrel, marketed under the brand name Nexplanon, to Medicaid patients. The nonprofit allegedly submitted false claims for payment by using incorrect National Drug Code numbers for the misbranded Nexplanon.
The United States alleged that Salud knowingly submitted these false claims, putting patient safety at risk. The case was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michelle Lo and resulted from a coordinated effort between the US Attorney’s Office and the US Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS OIG).
According to US Attorney Craig H. Missakian, using misbranded drugs jeopardizes public health and constitutes a serious False Claims Act violation. The resolution of this case demonstrates the commitment of law enforcement to hold violators accountable and protect the integrity of federal health care programs.
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📋 Key Facts
- Crime: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Defendant: California
- Location: CA
- Source: DOJ Press Release
