A Columbus, Ohio-based former physician was sentenced to 24 months in prison for a $1.5 million Medicaid fraud scheme, the Ohio Attorney General said in a June 25 news release.
What happened?
- Robert Florea, MD, fraudulently billed the Ohio Department of Medicaid for over 5,100 pieces of medical equipment, primarily braces for joints and back pain, that he never purchased. Records show he bought only 460 items over three years, resulting in a $1.5 million loss.
- In October 2024, Dr. Florea was convicted of one count of Medicaid fraud, a third-degree felony. His clinic, Buckeye Health and Research, was also found guilty of the same charge.
- Dr. Florea and the clinic, which has since closed, must pay $1.5 million in restitution and court costs.
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