Feds accuse Wyeth of cheating Medicaid

[BlueJessamine]

Source: MSNBC

WASHINGTON - The Justice Department is accusing drugmaker Wyeth of overcharging Medicaid hundreds of millions of dollars for drugs.

The Justice Department and 16 states have joined in two whistleblower lawsuits filed in federal court in Massachusetts.

The government says Wyeth offered steep discounts to thousands of hospitals for two versions of Protonix, a drug that suppresses stomach acid.

By law, manufacturers of brand-name drugs are required to offer the same rebates to state Medicaid programs that they provide to other customers.



Read more: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/30813276/

[defendandprotect]

1. Correct -- the huge rip-offs of Medicare by CORPORATIONS needs to be known . . .

too many Americans think that the problem is individuals ripping off Medicare--!!!1

Amazing the coverups that occur to criminals!!!

[Old Coot]

2. The company says they didn't do it............

“The company believes that it’s pricing calculations were correct and intends to defend itself vigorously in these actions,” said Doug Petkus, a Wyeth spokesman.

******

Who are you going to believe?

[quidam56]

3. Lie, Cheat, Fraud, Mislead... The American Way

It's a shame what we have become. http://www.wisecountyissues.com

[dflprincess]

4. "overcharging Medicaid hundreds of millions of dollars for drugs."

Hell they're overcharging all of us for drugs - all the pharmaceutical companies are.

Just another reason these crooks don't deserve a seat at the health care reform table.

[SpartanDem]

5. Bunch of thieving assholes

[mattfromnossa]

7. my sentiments exactly.

[underpants]

6. HCA (formerly the Frist family's business) long history of Medicare and Medicaid fraud

Frist as in former Senator Bill Frist

$745 Million-no date on this but AG Janet Reno announced the "settlement"
http://seniorhealth.about.com/library/weekly/aa121700a.htm

1999 two execs found guilty on six counts of Medicare fraud and conspiracy.
http://www.aslme.org/news/jlme/27.3d.html

2002-as Trent Lott was stepping down as Senate Minority Leader Frist's father quietly settled a $630 Million Medicare lawsuit
http://rawstory.com/news/2005/Family_company_of_Senate_leader_made_0929.html
A good history of HCA at that link and all their fraud problems

HCA Settles Utah Allegations of Medicare Fraud for $857,000.
http://www.allbusiness.com/government/government-bodies-offices/10269359-1.html
February 10 2004


2003- $14 Settlement on suit brought by stockholders for violated federal securities laws by issuing a series of material misrepresentations to the market
http://www.lawcash.com/attorney/2542/columbiahca-healthcare-lawsuit.asp


Not sure how many of these overlap but a good synopsis
http://articles.latimes.com/keyword/columbia-hca-healthcare-corp
HCA Pleads Guilty in Medicare Fraud Case
Business | ROBERT L. JACKSON | December 15, 2000

Hospital Chain to Pay $745 Million in Medicare Fraud
News | MICHAEL A. HILTZIK | May 19, 2000

Justice Dept. Hits Columbia/HCA With 6th Suit
Business | February 17, 2000

U.S. Won't Charge Employees With Fraud
Business | January 1, 2000

2nd Hospital Exec Gets Prison in Fraud Case
Business | December 23, 1999

Columbia/HCA Exec Sentenced in Fraud Case
Business | December 4, 1999

[xchrom]

8. DING! DING! DING! -- WINNER! NT