HOME HEALTHCARE PROVIDER LHC GROUP INC. PAYS $65 MILLION TO SETTLE MEDICAID FRAUD WHISTLEBLOWER CASE

LHC Group Inc. a publicly traded home health provider will pay the government $65 million to settle a federal inquiry and whistleblower case which alleged that LHC provided health services to patients which they did not need and also to people who were not homebound. The Department of Justice said that it examined the records of LHC Group home health visits to recipients of Medicaid, the Federal Employees Health Benefits programs and TRICARE, the military health service programs and found the fraudulent practices. The Justice Department also said that the whistleblower Judy Master will receive $12 million. The company said that the whistleblower was a person who worked for a consulting firm LHC Group once used.