The U.S. Justice Department has announced $70 million in settlements with Ventura County and three major health care providers over allegations of false Medi-Cal claims being submitted.
In 2014, Medi-Cal was expanded to cover previously uninsured low-income adults without children. But, federal prosecutors say that the agencies in Ventura County received funding well beyond eligibility guidelines.
There were three separate settlement agreements. Ventura County will pay $29 million to the federal government. The Gold Coast Health Plan will pay $17.2 million. Clinicas del Camino Real will pay $11.25 million to the federal government, and $1.25 million to the state. And, Dignity Health will return $10.8 million to the federal government, and $1.2 million to the state.
Prosecutors say the learned of the issue through two former Gold Coast officials, who notified state and federal authorities.
