Steven Osbey, co-owner of a Charlotte-based clinic, has consented to a judgment against him for a hefty sum that might make even the staunchest of us wince—$4,711,159.00 to be exact. The United States and State of North Carolina have their hands a bit fuller after this settlement that's part of a resolution to allegations that the clinic, Reign & Inspirations, LLC, billed Medicaid for thousands of non-existent physician home visits. According to a release from the U.S. Attorney's Office, this was a scheme that potentially could have been lifted straight from a heist film, save for the greed lacking any semblance of Hollywood charm.
The consent judgment follows claims that Osbey, alongside Aljihad Shabazz, phony billed NC Medicaid for over 30,000 hours of these supposed visits, on some days alleging over a 100 hour-long visits. The laws of time and space, it appears, are not up for negotiation—even when the narrative of fraudsters attempts to rewrite them. Shabazz has already faced the music, pleading guilty to healthcare fraud conspiracy and money laundering, now serving a 52-month term with a side of supervised release.
Meanwhile, on the investigation front the Department of Justice details a joint effort that spanned from the office's civil and criminal divisions to the FBI, complemented by the Medicaid Investigations Division of the North Carolina Attorney General's Office and the Office of Inspector General of the United States Department of Health and Human Services. AUSAs Caroline McLean and Seth Johnson spearheaded the civil investigation, ensuring the cobweb of deceit was untangled.
As far as messages go, the settlement is clear: healthcare fraud will find little haven in the current system. The False Claims Act continues to stand as a sentinel against such exploitations, and anyone with a tip about potential fraud or abuse can—and should—report it to the Department of Health and Human Services at 800-HHS-TIPS (800-447-8477).
