Centene to pay $19M for overcharging health care costs in Washington state

Health care giant Centene will pay $19 million to Washington state to resolve a longstanding allegation that the company overcharged the state’s Medicaid program for its pharmacy benefit services.

The resolution is the second-largest Medicaid fraud recovery for the state, Attorney General Bob Ferguson and the Washington State Health Care Authority said in a statement Wednesday.
As part of the resolution, Washington will recover a total of $18,999,999.80, and the funds will go back to the state through the state Medicaid Fraud Penalty Account.

“We commend the AG for their continued partnership in stewarding state resources,” said HCA Director Sue Birch. “Controlling health care expenditures, especially prescription drug costs, remains a top priority for HCA.”

Source: Centene to pay $19M for overcharging health care costs in Washington state / Benefits Pro