Ohio pharmacist, Nathanael Thompson, and pharmacy technician, Sanam Ahmad, have been convicted of one count of conspiracy to commit health care fraud and two counts of defrauding Medicaid for their roles in a $2.3 million scheme.
Thompson owned four pharmacies in Columbus, Ohio and Ahmad managed the foregoing pharmacies. According to evidence presented at trial, from approximately April 2017 through August 2021, Thompson and Ahmed submitted fraudulent prescription drug claims for omeprazole to Ohio Medicaid. Omeprazole is a drug designed to treat gastric and duodenal ulcers, erosive esophagitis, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Omeprazole may be dispensed in various forms, including in prescription-grade. Ohio Medicaid reimbursed pharmacies at a rate of $7.18 per pill for prescription-grade omeprazole manufactured by Major Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Major).
According to evidence presented at trial, Thompson dispensed generic omeprazole and billed Ohio Medicaid for omeprazole manufactured by Major to receive larger reimbursements. Thompson submitted claims for over 500,000 units of omeprazole manufactured by Major, though his pharmacies possessed less than 200,000 units. Thompson also dispensed omeprazole without a prescription to maximize profits. As a result, Thompson and Ahmed submitted millions in fraudulent claims to Medicaid. Thompson and Ahmad now face up to 30 years in prison. Sentencing for both defendants has yet to be scheduled.
The attorneys at Chilivis Grubman represent clients of all types and sizes in connection to health care fraud investigations and litigation. If you need assistance with such a matter, please contact us today.