ATTORNEY NEWSLETTER
Three former managers of the AIDS Healthcare Foundation have filed Federal, as well as Florida State, whistleblower claims under the federal False Claims Act and Florida False Claims Act. The AIDS Healthcare Foundation, the nation’s largest supplier of HIV/AIDS medical care, is charged with defrauding Federal healthcare programs such as Medicare, Medicaid and Health and Human Services HIV/AIDS grant programs of at least $20 million a year in false claims since 2010.
According to the complaint, which is based on firsthand knowledge from the three former employees, AHF conducted an organization-wide criminal effort across at least 12 states that boosted funding from federal healthcare programs. They did so by generating HIV/AIDS referrals to the company’s various service centers, a practice which began in the company’s California headquarters. In violation of the anti-kickback statute, AHF was unlawfully paying employees and patients for referrals, according to the complaint.
Despite their protected status under the False Claims Act, all three former employees were terminated for notifying their supervisors about the company’s unlawful practices.
The False Claims Act is a federal law that imposes a liability on persons and companies who attempt to defraud government programs. Whistleblowers, typically current or former employees, are usually the ones to bring the fraudulent activity to light and initiate the lawsuit. Those filing under the False Claims Act stand to receive a portion of any recovered damages for their role in bringing the case.
Evans Law Firm, Inc. is a plaintiffs’ firm concentrating on false claim lawsuits, Qui Tam (whistleblower/false claims) lawsuits, IRS tax fraud lawsuits, (SEC) securities fraud whistleblower reward lawsuits, retaliation and employment litigation. If you have a False Claims Act case, please contact Evans Law Firm, Inc. at 415-441-8669 or via email at info@evanslaw.com.
