By: Richard L. Smith
Lisa Curty, 46, of Staten Island, New York, and Christine Myers, 38, of Phillipsburg, New Jersey, former co-owners of a New Jersey marketing company, have been sentenced to 12 months and one day in prison.
U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced the sentencing for their roles in defrauding health benefits programs of at least $8.8 million through billing for unnecessary compounded prescriptions.
Both women had previously admitted to conspiracy to commit health care fraud.
The sentencing, handed down by U.S. District Judge Katharine S. Hayden in Newark federal court, also includes two years of supervised release and an order to pay $8.2 million in restitution.
According to court documents, from February 2015 to February 2017, Curty and Myers engaged in a scheme targeting insurance plans with high reimbursement rates for compounded medications, such as scar and wound creams.
They hired sales representatives to convince individuals with eligible insurance plans to obtain unnecessary prescriptions, often offering cash incentives.
Federal officials said these prescriptions were then filled by compounding pharmacies, which paid a portion of the insurance reimbursement to the marketing company.
“This case is a reminder of the ongoing battle against health care fraud,” stated FBI – Newark Special Agent James E. Dennehy. Brian J. Solecki of the Defense Criminal Investigative Service emphasized the importance of protecting military healthcare systems like TRICARE from such fraudulent activities.
This sentencing is a significant step in the efforts to combat healthcare fraud, ensuring that those exploiting the system face consequences.