Whistleblower Settlement With Tampa-Based WellCare Health Plans, Inc. Finalized

WellCare Health Plans, Inc. (“WellCare”), based in Tampa, Florida, announced that the $137.5 million settlement of four qui tam complaints and related civil investigations by the United States’ Attorneys for the Middle District of Florida and District of Connecticut has been finalized. WellCare is a managed care services company that administers federal health care programs, such as Medicare and Medicaid.

The first action, filed under the qui tam provisions of the False Claims Act in 2006, alleged that WellCare failed to return overpayments it received from Medicaid, inflated reinsurance payments, and improperly sought to drop Medicaid beneficiaries whom the company considered unprofitable. The Complaint alleged that WellCare’s wrongdoing cost taxpayers $400-$600 million.

When the settlement was first reached in 2010, Sean Hellein, the lead relator, objected to the settlement as too low. Hellein had worn a wire and surreptitiously recorded WellCare executives. Hellein has since withdrawn his objection to the proposed settlement.

If you have any firsthand knowledge, information, or evidence related to any federal, state, county or city government fraud, you should speak with an experienced qui tam lawyer who can help you understand your legal rights and help you obtain the compensation you deserve.

If you have a claim, contact the Florida whistleblower attorneys at Rabin Kammerer Johnson for a free and confidential consultation by calling toll free at 877.915.4040.