The Justice Department and Kaiser Permanente are on the verge of reaching a resolution in their ongoing negotiations regarding the government’s allegations that the healthcare giant defrauded Medicare of $1 billion.
A federal judge recently approved a 90-day pause in legal proceedings as both parties continue to work towards a potential agreement. Lawyers from both sides have reported significant progress in their discussions to settle the three remaining cases related to the lawsuit filed by the government against Kaiser in 2021. This lawsuit consolidated six whistleblower complaints accusing Kaiser of submitting inaccurate diagnosis codes for Medicare Advantage members to inflate reimbursements.
The allegations against Kaiser have sparked a lengthy legal battle, with three of the original six lawsuits already dismissed for being too similar to others. The remaining cases have shed light on the alleged practices of the organization in seeking higher payments from the government for patient care.
As the negotiations between the Justice Department and Kaiser Permanente progress, the healthcare industry eagerly awaits the outcome of this high-profile case. Stay tuned for further developments as the parties work towards a resolution.
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