February 4, 2011

Brothers Indicted for HIV Fraud Top Health Care Fugitives

Federal officials have released a first-of-its-kind list of the top 10 health care fugitives, The Associated Press (AP) reports. Three brothers from Miami top the list. Carlos, Luis and Jose Benitez were indicted in 2008 for setting up bogus clinics and charging Medicare $119 million for HIV drugs that patients never received. Before fleeing to Cuba, the brothers bought hotels, helicopters and a water park. Authorities hope the new list will result in more tips to law enforcement on medical fraud, which costs taxpayers an estimated $60 billion to $90 billion each year.

To read the AP article, click here.

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Previous Comments:

Gary, Pittsburgh, 2011-02-09 08:55:56
Dan in Philadelphia! Each state has their own Special pharmaceutical benefits for people making under 40,000 a year! Pennsylvania's is Special Pharmaceutical Benefits Program......1-800-922-9384! In the meantime call the pharmaceutical company's and explain what is going on and most will help you till your Special Benefit Program kicks in!

Gary, Pittsburgh, 2011-02-09 08:41:42
The government should step in and seize the assets bought by these criminals! The property should be used to generate money back into the AIDS community or back to Medicare anyway you slice it the money should not be let go because they have run off to Cuba! Florida has a short fall in money already let Florida have the property to generate it's shortfall!

Dan, Philadelphia, 2011-02-08 16:43:13
This makes me sick. I have a great job with a major pharmaceutical company, had benefits (they weren't great, but they weren't awful). Through no fault of my own my company layed me off and screwed up my Cobra. I have 4 days left of Prezista, Truvada, and Isentress. I have been out of Norvir for 1 week now. I just accepted a job with NO benefits that's an hour away. I am 26 years poz with not one issue. I have no access to my meds anymore. I am letting nature take its course. Why test everyone?

mountainman, minneapolis, 2011-02-08 12:35:04
First off, sell those assets and put the funds back into the HIV programs, NOT back into the general fund. Then go get those 3 clowns. Why in the hell can this gov't spend money on the TSA to shake down people, but they can't stop this rampant fraud? Who really is getting some of these funds?

JR, Nashville, 2011-02-08 11:49:26
And wonder why the government can"t find a cure..

michael, , 2011-02-08 10:18:20
what is up wirh rhis country? can't they figure out what seems ro me ro be a simple verification. What is up wirh all rhe paperwork and lack of funds for people living with hiv/aids? This is anothrr disgrace to add to the list for usa...