Hayward, Calif.-based Amity Home Health Care was charged Sept. 5 in a $115 million Medicare fraud scheme, according to The Mercury News.
Federal prosecutors claim Amity illegally bribed physicians and other healthcare workers in the state with $8 million worth of Warriors basketball tickets, Louis Vuitton bags and envelopes of cash in exchange for a referral.
The U.S. Justice Department said the referrals pushed $115 million in Medicare funds to Amity and its related hospice provider AdventCare, based in Hayward.
Thirteen physicians, five nurses and one social worker were recorded by law enforcement officers offering, accepting or approving illegal payments, The Mercury News reported. Some of the payments allegedly were disguised as reimbursements, donations or payroll.
In addition to fraud charges, Amity CEO Ridhima Singh is accused of making false statements and tampering with witnesses.
Read the full article here.