Roberto Fernandez Gonzalez, Medicare Fraud, Florida 2013

Grimy Times Exclusive: A Florida man has been sentenced to 30 months in prison for his role in a devastating $28.3 million Medicare fraud scheme. Roberto Fernandez Gonzalez, 63, formerly of southwest Florida, was found guilty of conspiracy to commit health care fraud and sentenced by U.S. District Judge Susan C. Bucklew.

Fernandez Gonzalez and his co-conspirators used various physical therapy clinics and other business entities throughout Florida, including Rehab Dynamics Inc. in Venice, Fla., to submit approximately $28.3 million in fraudulent reimbursement claims to Medicare from 2005 through 2009. Medicare paid approximately $14.4 million on those claims.

The scheme involved Fernandez Gonzalez serving as a straw owner of Rehab Dynamics from January 2008 through March 2008, a period during which the clinic submitted approximately $1.6 million in fraudulent claims to Medicare seeking reimbursement for rehabilitation therapy services that were not provided. Medicare paid approximately $446,738 on those false claims.

Fernandez Gonzalez was ordered to forfeit $446,738 and pay the same amount in restitution. The case is being investigated by the FBI and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General and was brought as part of the Medicare Fraud Strike Force.

Since its inception in March 2007, the Medicare Fraud Strike Force has charged more than 1,700 defendants who have collectively billed the Medicare program for more than $5.5 billion. The Health Care Fraud Prevention and Enforcement Team (HEAT) is working to increase accountability and decrease the presence of fraudulent providers.

Fernandez Gonzalez’s guilty plea was a significant blow to the Medicare fraud scheme, but it highlights the need for continued vigilance and enforcement to protect taxpayers and ensure that those who would exploit the system are brought to justice.

The case is a reminder that Medicare fraud is a significant threat to the integrity of our healthcare system and that those who engage in such activities will be held accountable. Grimy Times will continue to follow this story and provide updates as more information becomes available.

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