Intrepid U.S.A. Inc. Settles for $3.85 Million Over False Medicare Claims Allegations

Dallas, TX — Intrepid U.S.A. Inc., along with its subsidiaries, has agreed to pay $3.85 million to settle allegations of violating the False Claims Act by submitting false Medicare claims. The allegations involve two key areas: improper claims for home healthcare services and ineligible hospice care claims. The settlement amount is based on Intrepid’s ability to pay.

From 2016 to 2021, the U.S. government alleged that 19 of Intrepid’s home healthcare facilities submitted claims for patients who did not qualify for Medicare benefits or were not properly certified. The services provided were often deemed unnecessary, performed by untrained staff, or not provided at all. Additionally, three of Intrepid’s hospice facilities allegedly admitted patients who were not terminally ill or continued to provide services to patients who no longer met Medicare’s hospice requirements.

“Medicare’s hospice and home healthcare benefits are essential for vulnerable populations,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brian M. Boynton of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “This settlement underscores our commitment to ensuring these benefits serve those in need, not those seeking profit.”

The settlement also resolves two qui tam (whistleblower) lawsuits filed under the False Claims Act. Relators Jennifer Jones and Pamela Joffe will receive $333,985, while Marsha Rigney and Janet Watts will receive $359,014 from the settlement.

The Justice Department’s Civil Division, along with the U.S. Attorney’s Offices for the Western District of Kentucky and the District of Minnesota, led the investigation, with assistance from the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG).

The False Claims Act remains a powerful tool in the fight against healthcare fraud. Reports of potential fraud, waste, or abuse can be made to HHS at 800-HHS-TIPS (800-447-8477).

Person holding a stress ballPhoto byMatthias Zomer