Mr. Almanza had operated 13 durable medical equipment (DME) companies and three medical clinics located in Miami-Dade and Hillsborough Counties in Florida. Through the 13 companies, Mr. Almanza and his co-conspirators submitted nearly $57 million of false claims to Medicare for medical equipment, prescription medications and outpatient medical services.
The scheme initially involved purchasing the identities of Medicare beneficiaries and submitting fraudulent claims to Medicare for a variety of high-priced medical equipment, with kickbacks going to these patients. Mr. Almanza and his partners later purchased stolen identities and continued to the process.
Complex schemes were used to launder the money and conceal the identities of the conspirators and the destination of the funds.
Mr. Almanza faces a maximum term of ten years’ imprisonment for the Medicare conspiracy, and five years’ imprisonment for making false claims.
Read a release from the U.S. Department of Justice on the $57 million Medicare fraud.
At the Becker's 11th Annual IT + Revenue Cycle Conference: The Future of AI & Digital Health, taking place September 14–17 in Chicago, healthcare executives and digital leaders from across the country will come together to explore how AI, interoperability, cybersecurity, and revenue cycle innovation are transforming care delivery, strengthening financial performance, and driving the next era of digital health. Apply for complimentary registration now.
