The latest Medicare fraud sweep has netted 90 arrests in six cities involving false billings to the healthcare program of an estimated $260 million.
Miami U.S. Attorney Wifredo Ferrer said Wednesday more than half of the arrests were in South Florida, long the nation's leader in healthcare fraud. Arrests were also made in Houston, Detroit, Los Angeles, Brooklyn and Tampa, Florida.
Among those arrested were 27 health professionals, including 16 doctors, as well as some Medicare beneficiaries who authorities say sell their entitlement to the highest bidders. Another emerging fraud trend is misuse of Medicare's prescription drug benefit through shady pharmacies.