Nevada Attorney General Aaron D. Ford, along with 48 other attorneys general, has secured a $202 million settlement from Gilead Sciences, Inc. for an illegal kickback scheme involving its HIV medications. The settlement addresses Gilead's violation of federal law by offering incentives such as awards, meals, and travel expenses to healthcare providers to prescribe its drugs. This led to false claims being submitted to government health care programs.
The agreement was coordinated with the U.S. Department of Justice and approved by the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York. It allocates $49 million to Medicaid programs across the country, with Nevada set to receive approximately $442,381.44.
"Gilead's illegal kickback scheme undermined the integrity of medical decision-making and cost taxpayers millions of dollars,” said AG Ford. He emphasized that the funds will support Nevada's Medicaid program and enhance healthcare quality for residents in need.
Between January 2011 and November 2017, Gilead allegedly violated anti-kickback laws by providing gifts to healthcare providers who participated in promotional speaker programs for its HIV drugs: Stribild, Genvoya, Complera, Odefsey, Descovy, and Biktarvy. High-volume prescribers received significant payments as “HIV Speakers,” and their travel expenses were covered for events at desirable locations.
Gilead’s compliance measures failed to stop these practices, allowing sales representatives to improperly incentivize prescriptions.
Attorney General Ford was joined in this effort by attorneys general from numerous states including California, Texas, Florida, and New York among others.
The Medicaid Fraud Control Unit (MFCU) investigates financial fraud related to healthcare services provided to Medicaid patients and instances of elder abuse or neglect. The Nevada MFCU is funded primarily by a grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
For concerns about Medicaid fraud or elder abuse in Nevada, individuals can contact MFCU at 702-486-3420 or 775-684-1100.