Kickback Scheme Costs Two Connecticut Dentists More Than $700K
A federal investigation found that two dissolved Connecticut dental practices used patient recruiters to generate Medicaid business, violating state and federal false claims laws. The dentists have agreed to repay more than $714,000 after submitting claims tied to prohibited kickback arrangements.
A recent federal and state investigation has put two Connecticut dental practices under scrutiny for improper Medicaid billing tied to patient recruitment schemes. According to officials, the now-dissolved Stamford and New Haven offices engaged third-party recruiters who were paid per Medicaid patient referred, an arrangement explicitly prohibited under the Connecticut Medical Assistance Program. Each submitted claim implied compliance with program rules, including strict bans on kickbacks, yet the payment structure violated these requirements and undermined the integrity of Medicaid billing. The improper activity occurred between early 2019 and late 2020, resulting in more than $714,000 in repayments by the two dentists involved. While the providers did not admit liability as part of the settlement, the case underscores the serious implications of disregarding Medicaid regulations. Click here to read more.