A local behavioral health business providing after-school and school break services for children with behavioral and mental health issues will pay a $100,000 fine to settle false claim allegations.
Behavioral Health LLC, of North Haven, entered into a civil settlement agreement with state and federal regulators to resolve the allegations. The company was accused of violating the False Claims Act by submitting fraudulent Medicaid claims for patients.
Company officials were accused of submitting reimbursement forms for behavioral health services that they did not provide, according to state officials. Additionally, the company was cited for failing to provide licensed workers to deliver services.
In a press release, the Connecticut Attorney General’s Office said that Behavioral Health LLC:
“falsely represented that a licensed provider had rendered the services when, in fact, an unlicensed individual rendered the services. (Behavioral Management) also falsely represented that 45 minutes of one-on-one psychotherapy services were provided when in fact 20 minutes of group services were provided.”
The AG’s office also said that Behavioral Management falsely represented that the services provided included biofeedback, though it was later discovered they did not.
These violations, which occurred in 2014, were resolved with a $100,000 reimbursement payment from Behavioral Management. State and federal officials uncovered the issues as part of a larger investigation into the business practices of behavioral health firms in the region.
Officials encourage anyone who suspects similar health care fraud to call 1-800-HHS-TIPs or 203-777-6311.