Ten former NFL players have been charged with defrauding the NFL’s healthcare program for nearly $4 million dollars. Some of the names included in this scheme are John Eubanks, Carlos Rogers and most notably, Clinton Portis, who all played on the Washington Redskins.
“Ten former NFL players allegedly committed a brazen, multimillion-dollar fraud on a health care plan meant to help their former teammates and other retired players pay legitimate, out-of-pocket medical expenses,” Assistant Attorney General Brian Benczkowski said.
The players are accused of targeting the Gene Upshaw NFL Health Reimbursement Account Plan. The plan was designed to provide a tax-free reimbursement of out of pocket medical expenses that were not covered by insurance. Claims were made for medical equipment such as cryotherapy machines, ultrasound machines, and electromagnetic therapy devices that were intended for horses(?).
Not only were these devices not delivered, but prosecutors say the items were never even purchased to begin with. These claims typically ranged from $40k-$50k each, totaling to $3.9 million in false and fraudulent claims.
It is reported the players constructed false letters from health care providers about using the medical equipment, false prescriptions that were allegedly signed by health care providers and even created fake invoices from medical equipment companies as proof that the items were purchased.
More than 20 FBI offices contributed in this investigation across the country from New Jersey to LA, and of course even in Miami. Joe Horn and Reche Caldwell are expected to be charged with conspiracy to commit healthcare fraud at a later date.