The owner of two pharmacies in Michigan and the pharmacist-in-charge at both facilities were charged April 9 for their alleged role in a $9.2 million billing scheme.
According to the indictment, Wansa Makki owned and operated LifeCare Pharmacy in Livonia and LifeCare of Michigan in Farmington Hills from 2010-18. The pharmacies only filled prescriptions for individuals associated with specific healthcare facilities and were not open to the public.
During the scheme, Mr. Makki and Mohamad Makki, the lead pharmacist, billed Medicare, Medicaid and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan for about $9.2 million in medications that weren't dispensed, according to the indictment. Medicare uncovered the alleged scheme due to a significant deficiency in the pharmacy's inventories and submitted claims.
Related criminal complaints and the indictment allege that the proceeds of the fraud scheme were laundered by overpaying delivery companies and consulting firms run by the defendants' relatives.
The defendants face a maximum 10 years in prison and a maximum fine of $250,000. They also face a mandatory two-year sentence if convicted of aggravated identity theft.
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