AUSTIN, Texas — The Austin Emergency Center, a collective of medical facilities in the Austin metropolitan area, has agreed to a settlement for allegedly overbilling patients for COVID-19 tests under the False Claims Act.
According to the United States Attorney’s Office, the organization overbilled COVID-19 tests that were paid for with cash by patients, resulting in $429,231 over a period of almost one year.
Justin R. Simmons, the U.S. Attorney of the Western District of Texas, was troubled by the situation.
“Those who have used or plan to use healthcare as a means to unlawfully enrich themselves should take note that the Department of Justice is actively looking for opportunities to recover stolen pandemic-era funds on behalf of the American people,” Simmons said.
Derek M. Holt, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Office of the Inspector General (OIG), was happy with the outcome of the investigation.
“During a public health emergency, providers exploited federal employees’ health benefits for profit at the taxpayers’ expense,” Holt said. “We applaud our investigative staff and our partners at the Department of Justice for continuing to hold these providers accountable.”
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office release, the settlement was settled on allegations only and there is no determination of liability.