Montana auditor says health care fraud scheme targeted Native Americans

Montana State Auditor James Brown said his office identified and worked to remedy a health care fraud scheme that targeted Native Americans, according to Montana Free Press. Brown said at least 80 Native Americans were victimized after fraudsters visited reservations and pressured people to enroll in Affordable Care Act plans with promises of free rehabilitation treatment at out-of-state facilities, often in California. Victims were transported to treatment centers where insurers were billed for care that did not occur, was not needed or was charged at inflated prices, according to a news release from Brown’s office cited by Montana Free Press.

Brown said federal authorities approved the rescission of 80 fraudulent insurance enrollments, allowing the state to recover more than $23.3 million. His office has identified 207 enrollments suspected of fraud that could total $54.7 million in unjustified claims, according to Montana Free Press. Because the scheme occurred on tribal land, Brown said federal authorities will determine potential charges.