An Arizona company has agreed to pay $179.7 million to resolve claims that it received overpayments from the Department of Veterans Affairs in connection with its administration of certain VA health care programs.
According to a Department of Justice release, Phoenix-based TriWest administers government health care programs, including certain parts of the VA Patient-Centered Community Care Program and the VA’s former Veterans Choice Program.
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“It is vital that those who administer programs for the VA be held accountable to do so with the utmost care and integrity,” said U.S. Attorney for the District of Arizona Michael Bailey.
Both programs have enabled veterans to obtain medical care from providers in their communities, the release states. As program administrator, TriWest is paid by the VA to coordinate medical appointments and make payments to health care providers.
The alleged overpayments included payments by the VA to TriWest twice for the same services as well as payments for services for which the company received full or partial reimbursement from certain health care providers, the release states.
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A coordinated effort by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Arizona, the Department of Justice’s Civil Divison’s Commercial Litigation Branch, the VA and its Office of Inspector General led to the settlement.
The claims resolved by the settlement agreement are allegations only, the statement adds. There has been no determination of liability.
“This settlement is integral to ensuring that the VA’s funds are spent for the benefit of our nation’s veterans,” said VA Inspector General Michael J. Missal.
Reach Julia LeDoux at Julia@connectingvets.com
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