Media

A recent HHS audit estimated that Aetna received an estimated $25.5 million in Medicare Advantage overpayments for 2015 and 2016. The audit, conducted by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of Inspector General, analyzed seven groups of … Read More

Hot labor summer is turning into a long walkout fall. After successful strikes by Hollywood writers, United Parcel Service workers and others, unions across the country are picketing for better pay and benefits. The same is true in Portland. Nurses … Read More

Orlando — Brett H. Kessler, D.D.S., a Denver, Colorado, dentist and 14th District trustee, was voted president-elect by the ADA House of Delegates Oct. 10. Dr. Kessler is the former president of the Colorado Dental Association and the founding chair … Read More

One Missouri City, Texas, couple discovered what happens when you defraud the government. According to KPRC News, 72-year-old Vincent Nwabeke and his wife, 71-year-old Victoria Nwabeke, were sentenced on Oct. 5 for their roles in using the home healthcare service … Read More

The former chairman of the Arkansas State Medical Board has been arrested on two felony charges of Medicaid fraud, authorities said. Police in Rogers arrested Brian Thomas Hyatt, 49, a Rogers psychiatrist, on Monday, the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette reported. He was … Read More

Orlando, Florida, will be the most magical place on earth Oct. 5-7 for dental professionals and their families as they come to meet, play, learn and smile at SmileCon 2023. “SmileCon 2023 promises to be a meeting like no other. … Read More

The ADA is expressing gratitude to several U.S. senators for introducing the Action for Dental Health Act of 2023, a piece of bipartisan legislation that would extend the ADH program through fiscal year 2026. The bill, which was introduced Sept. … Read More

Sonendo has announced its third EndoCon, a comprehensive program covering the latest in endodontic technology and innovation. Taking place in San Diego at the Manchester Grand Hyatt from Oct. 5-7, the three-day event will offer lectures, workshops, and training sessions … Read More

The American Dental Association (ADA) Career Services is set to introduce a groundbreaking virtual reality (VR) career discovery experience at SmileCon 2023, scheduled for Oct. 5-7 in Orlando, Fla. The ADA is working to ensure that every dental professional can … Read More

SAN DIEGO – Dr. Javad Aghaloo, an Imperial County dentist, and Theresa Flores, his office manager, pleaded guilty in federal court yesterday, admitting that they conspired to defraud Medicare and cover it up. Aghaloo entered a guilty plea to conspiring … Read More

Orlando, Fla. — One-thousand children in central Orlando will enjoy nutritious food this weekend thanks to SmileCon. The ADA Foundation Give Kids A Smile Pack & Give Back Event, held inside Dental Central at the Orange County Convention Center, invited … Read More

A Laredo ophthalmologist has been indicted on health care fraud and money laundering charges, the U.S. Attorney’s Office said. Dr. Michael Hochman appeared in court Thursday. He has an arraignment set for Oct. 12 before U.S. Magistrate Judge Christopher dos … Read More

HOUSTON, Texas — Two home health agency owners from Missouri City have been sentenced to federal prison after pleading guilty to defrauding millions from Medicare, according to U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani. 72-year-old Vincent Nwabeke, and 70-year-old Victoria Nwabeke, both … Read More

AUSTIN, Texas — A 54-year-old doctor from Austin, Texas, Dr. Michael Hochman, has been indicted for health care fraud and money laundering, according to U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani. Hochman made his initial appearance in court and is set for … Read More

Two people from Miami-Dade County have been found guilty in a massive Medicare fraud scheme. They plotted to submit $93 million in claims for medical services that were not rendered, using lists of stolen identities of patients, even after some … Read More

The Affordable Care Act’s (ACA) Medicaid expansion expanded Medicaid coverage to nearly all adults with incomes up to 138% of the Federal Poverty Level ($20,120 for an individual in 2023) and provided states with an enhanced federal matching rate (FMAP) … Read More

A Texas dental assistant was showered with money for nearly two decades of commitment working at an orthodontics practice in Beaumont, TX. According to “Good Morning America,” Sophia Teel was surprised with $1,000 for each year she’s worked at the … Read More

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — For months, Carlton Clemons endured crippling pain from a rotting wisdom tooth. He couldn’t sleep, barely ate and relied on painkillers to get by. The 67-year-old from Nashville, Tennessee, could not afford to see a dentist … Read More

As part of an ongoing commitment to invest in the future dental workforce, DentaQuest, a part of Sun Life U.S., is contributing to increased access to oral health care by expanding the number of practicing dentists. They achieved this through … Read More

For nonprofit dental clinics providing care to children at free and reduced rates, every penny counts. Millions of children across the U.S. struggle to access affordable dental care due to financial barriers and a shortage of dental care providers, especially … Read More

David Arnett, co-founder and president of DentiMax, recently traveled to Samoa, where he donated DentiMax sensors, laptops, and software to the Samoan government and Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Arnett learned about the need for equipment in Samoa … Read More

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) — A Knoxville dental provider will pay nearly $1 million to settle a 2020 lawsuit that alleged the company for years submitted false claims in order to receive higher reimbursements from TennCare, the state Medicaid program. The … Read More

Since pandemic-era protections for health care coverage ended in March, more than 900,000 Texans have lost Medicaid coverage. For the first time in three years, many families and kids are caught up in the state’s re-enrollment process, a multi-step system … Read More

Teledentistry company SmileDirectClub is implementing a recapitalization plan to fund short- and long-term growth. The founders of SmileDirectClub have committed to investing at least $20 million, and an additional $60 million in capital is available based on reaching certain conditions, … Read More

U.S. Senator John Barrasson (R-WY) recently introduced legislation to protect Medicaid beneficiaries and save billions in taxpayer dollars. The Protecting Medicaid Beneficiaries Act will apply the Medicaid asset verification program to all applicants and recipients in all states and territories. … Read More

Aiming to preserve access to healthcare in rural communities, the Texas Health and Human Services Commission has awarded a $4.5 million grant to four hospitals deemed critical to these populations. Governor Greg Abbott (R.) announced that the four are eligible … Read More

A federal jury in the Eastern District of Michigan convicted an Indian national Wednesday for orchestrating a $2.8 million health care fraud and wire fraud conspiracy, and engaging in money laundering, aggravated identity theft, and witness tampering, Justice Department officials … Read More

Almost 900,000 Texans have lost Medicaid since April and a backlog of applications has piled up, overwhelming the system and setting off a ripple effect that advocates worry is delaying families’ access to SNAP food benefits. During the pandemic, federal … Read More

The ADA is expressing support for the Lower Costs, More Transparency Act, a health care bill aimed at addressing workforce investment and increasing price transparency throughout the health care system. Specifically, the ADA supports efforts to extend the Community Health … Read More

EL PASO – The Texas Health and Human Services Commission Community Partner Program, in partnership with El Pasoans Fighting Hunger Food Bank, is hosting a community event on Tuesday, Oct. 3, to help Texans with their Medicaid renewals. HHSC staff … Read More

Massachusetts police arrested a man who they allege was running an illegal dentist’s office in the back of a convenience store in a room that was rented to him. Officials say that Munoz offered”examinations, tooth extractions, anesthetics, and cleanings.” Munoz … Read More

TAMPA, Fla. — In a heartfelt conversation, Dr. Marnie C. Bauer D.M.D., the founder of “She Smiles,” shares her personal journey and the mission that drives her — to give deserving women a reason to smile. It’s that mission that … Read More

In a recent development, David Santana, the owner of Conclave Media (Conclave) and Nationwide Health Advocates (Nationwide), has pleaded guilty to a $44 million Medicare fraud scheme involving medically unnecessary durable medical equipment (DME), including orthotics such as back and … Read More

A Houston physician and two pharmacists have been indicted for an alleged $170 million healthcare fraud and money laundering scheme. The 13-count indictment returned by a Houston federal grand jury on Sep. 7 was unsealed Wednesday, according to a release … Read More

McALLEN, Texas — A 52-year-old man from San Antonio, Texas, has been sentenced for his involvement in a fraudulent scheme that submitted over $150 million in false claims to Medicare for hospice and other healthcare services. Jesus Virlar-Cadena, who pleaded … Read More

A federal jury has convicted a Florida nurse practitioner for her role in a conspiracy to defraud Medicare by submitting fraudulent claims for unnecessary tests and services in excess of $200 million. She was convicted of multiple felonies and could … Read More

When asked in a recent survey if they’d like to be able to view their patients’ medical records, all dental providers—fully 100%—indicated they would, with a majority of their medical peers (75%) saying they’d like access to their patients’ dental … Read More

Federal and state Medicaid programs mandate dental coverage for children but not adults. However, rising awareness of the economic and health costs of poor dental health and federal pandemic money has spurred six US states to expand Medicaid coverage to … Read More

Dental check-ups are a critical part of your health. Estimates show around 27% of adults don’t have dental insurance coverage. Even with insurance, cost may get in the way. That’s where a local dental team comes in. Marine veteran Jeff … Read More

EDINBURG, Texas — The Texas Mission of Mercy Rio Grande Valley (TMOM-RGV) recently held a Free Dental Clinic at the Edinburg Bert Ogden Arena on September 15 and 16. The event was a big hit, with many volunteers and community … Read More