A Florida whistleblower program has received $1 million from the state's allocation of the recent $2.3 billion federal Pfizer settlement [1] regarding illegal marketing allegations. State Sen. Don Gaetz says the money for informants will help "prime the pump" on the new Medicaid fraud program, according to a local press report.
The program targets not just Medicaid provider prescription and billing, but also such incidents as drug felons working near hospital drug supplies. It also creates a list providers sanctioned or terminated from the program.
Medicaid has some three million enrollees in Florida. State auditors estimate that five to 20 percent of last year's $16 million was lost to overbilling, false claims and other fraudulent practices.
- here's the article [2]
Related Articles:
Pfizer's $2.3B promise to behave [1]
Ex-exec: Off-label promo 'part of Pfizer culture' [3]
Poussot and pink slips and Bextra, oh my [4]
Pfizer takes $2.3B Bextra charge [5]
Links:
[1] http://www.fiercepharma.com/story/pfizers-2-3b-promise-behave/2009-09-03
[2] http://www2.tbo.com/content/2009/sep/17/pfizer-millions-fund-states-new-medicaid-whistlebl/news-breaking/
[3] http://www.fiercepharma.com/story/ex-exec-label-promo-part-pfizer-culture/2009-06-23
[4] http://www.fiercepharma.com/story/poussot-and-pink-slips-and-bextra-oh-my/2009-01-27
[5] http://www.fiercepharma.com/story/pfizer-takes-2-3b-bextra-charge/2009-01-26