Whistleblower News From The Inside -- November 15, 2017

By the C|C Whistleblower Lawyer Team

Two insurers settle FCA suit for over $2M — Two subsidiaries of Progressive have settled allegations that they caused Medicare and Medicaid to pay for claims for which the insurancre companies were responsible. Generally, if an individual has Medicare or Medicaid and other health insurance coverage, the government program is a “secondary payer” on the claim. According to the allegations, the insurers allowed beneficiaries to select an option where Medicare was the “primary payer” and the Progressive entities were “secondary payers” in medical treatments resulting from automobile accidents. USAO New Jersey

Missouri surgeon found guilty of kickback scheme — A Missouri jury found Dr. Sonjay Fonn, and his fiancé, Deborah Seeger, guilty of violating the FCA. The Medicare and Medicaid programs will receive a $1.65M recovery, and statutory penalties will be imposed. According to prosecutors, Seeger founded and ran a spinal implant distribution business, which Fonn ordered equipment from, and then Seeger spent her commissions in ways that benefited Fonn, including the purchase of a yacht. Southeast Missourian

Over 20 whistleblowers have been paid under Nigeria’s program — The anti-graft program has led to a recoveries of $43M and has only been in effect since 2016. All Africa