This article takes a look at a recent legal settlement involving two Connecticut dental practices. They faced accusations of illegal patient referral schemes.
The settlement, which totals $714,446, came after allegations that these practices broke federal and state anti-kickback laws by paying for Medicaid patient referrals. Connecticut’s Attorney General has been ramping up efforts to protect public healthcare programs—this case is a warning for medical providers statewide.
Explore top-rated stays with no booking fees and instant confirmation. Your dream trip starts here!
Start Exploring Now
Details of the Settlement
Two dental offices—Dent Plus Family Dentistry in Stamford and L&M Family Dentistry in New Haven—agreed to pay a hefty sum to resolve accusations of illegal kickbacks. The owners, Ivan Makar and Oleg Losin, allegedly worked with a patient recruiting company that got $135 for every Medicaid patient sent their way.
Investigators say this setup broke both federal and state False Claims Acts. Anti-kickback statutes exist to keep public healthcare funding from being misused.
After these referrals, the dental offices billed the Connecticut Medical Assistance Program—including Medicaid—for treating those patients. That’s where things really went off the rails.
Timeline of Alleged Violations
Investigators believe the violations happened between January 2019 and September 2020. During that time, hundreds of patients were allegedly referred through this questionable payment scheme.
Both practices have since closed down. The settlement wraps up the case, but the accused didn’t have to admit to anything formally.
The Attorney General’s Perspective
Attorney General William Tong says this is the sixth settlement in a broader investigation. His office wants to keep Connecticut’s public healthcare programs honest and protect taxpayer dollars.
Tong points out that illegal kickbacks put extra strain on the system and chip away at trust in healthcare providers. It’s hard to argue with that.
A Broader Statewide Effort
This isn’t happening in a vacuum. Similar cases have popped up from Bridgeport to Hartford, and from Norwalk to Waterbury.
The Attorney General’s office is going after improper billing and shady referral practices. They’re hoping to get healthcare professionals across Connecticut to step up their compliance game.
Understanding Anti-Kickback Statutes
Anti-kickback laws make it illegal for healthcare providers to pay or receive money for patient referrals covered by government programs. The idea is pretty simple: medical decisions should be about what’s best for the patient, not about who’s making a buck.
Why Compliance Matters
Breaking these laws can get you in hot water—think big financial penalties or even losing your license. Enforcing these rules isn’t just about protecting patients; it also keeps public funds safe in places like Danbury, Milford, and West Haven.
Implications for Connecticut Providers
This settlement should make healthcare providers across the state sit up and pay attention. If you’re running a practice in Norwich, Middletown, or Torrington, it’s time to make sure your marketing and recruitment efforts follow the law.
Steps to Maintain Compliance
Providers can steer clear of legal headaches by setting up strong compliance programs. Staff need to know the ins and outs of anti-kickback rules, and contracts with outside agencies should get a careful look.
- Train employees on federal and state healthcare laws.
- Do regular internal audits of billing and referral practices.
- Have a lawyer review any marketing partnerships before you sign.
- If you spot something suspicious, report it to the right authorities right away.
Conclusion
The $714,446 settlement involving two dental offices in Stamford and New Haven really highlights the legal risks tied to patient referral payments.
Connecticut officials have started ramping up investigations into healthcare fraud. Medical providers across the state should probably keep a close eye on their practices.
By putting ethical practices first—whether you’re in Hartford, Bridgeport, Norwalk, or Waterbury—Connecticut’s healthcare community stands a better chance of protecting both patients and public resources.
Here is the source article for this story: CT dental offices to pay over $700,000 after alleged kickbacks scheme
Find available hotels and vacation homes instantly. No fees, best rates guaranteed!
Check Availability Now
Fairfield County
Hartford County
Litchfield County
Middlesex County
New Haven County
New London County
Tolland County
