MMM Holdings LLC (MMM) has agreed to pay $15,228,340 to resolve allegations that it violated the Anti-Kickback Statute , the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Puerto Rico announced today.
According to the settlement agreement, between January 2018 and December 2022, MMM submitted or caused to be submitted claims to Medicare related to the gift card incentive program in violation of the Anti-Kickback Statute, the department confirmed.
“Medicare Advantage plans that engage in improper financial arrangements undermine the integrity of the Medicare program and place profits ahead of enrollees’ best interests,” said Naomi Gruchacz, the Special Agent in Charge of the New York Regional Office of the Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG).
“HHS-OIG will continue to coordinate with our law enforcement partners to identify and investigate such allegations in order to protect federal health care programs and the Americans who rely on them.”
The department reported, as part of the incentive program, MMM distributed gift cards to administrative assistants of healthcare providers to encourage the referral, recommendation, or enrollment of thousands of Medicare beneficiaries into MMM Medicare Advantage plans.