October 9, 2023 – Below is United States et al.’s 2021 False Claims Act complaint against Steward Health Care and associates. The complaint centres on unlawful kickbacks and a scheme between Steward and First Choice to “direct expensive and profitable procedures to Steward’s central Florida Hospitals”, partially in exchange for Steward overpaying for First Choice equity. A key factor in the kickback scheme is Steward’s MPW-fueled rapid expansion.
The participants “understood certain elements of the deal should not be put in writing over concerns they would raise questions about violations of Stark and AKS laws…”. This speaks for itself.
The complaint was unsealed on June 20, 2023.
More to come.