Pfizer Fraud Settlement Money Will Fund Whistleblower Plan

By Lori Clapper, Web Editor

Three weeks ago, Pfizer settled $2.3 billion in fraud allegations that it illegally promoted the painkiller Bextra and other drugs. Now, a $58 million piece of that pie will go to the state of Florida, which will use $1 million of that settlement to entice potential whistleblowers in a new Medicaid fraud program.

According to The Tampa Tribune, state Sen. Don Gaetz backed the fraud legislation in the Spring after WellCare Health Plans, Inc., one of the largest administrators of Medicare and Medicaid benefits in the country — was accused of a multimillion-dollar fraud scheme. Gaetz said the Pfizer settlement funds will help "prime the pump" for the program and will hopefully help recover even more in overpaid claims and other practices. An informant could receive up to 25% of the recovered money, and his or her identity will be protected.

See this story in the The Tampa Tribune http://www2.tbo.com/content/2009/sep/17/pfizer-millions-fund-states-new-medicaid-whistlebl/news-breaking