The settlement is the second-largest Medicaid fraud recovery in the state’s history, according to an Aug. 24 news release from the Washington attorney general’s office
The settlement comes after a joint investigation by the attorney general’s office and the Washington State Health Care Authority, according to the release. The office began investigating pharmacy benefit managers in 2019 after a whistleblower provided information that they were allegedly failing to disclose the true costs of pharmacy benefits and services.
Centene allegedly failed to pass on discounts it received to the state Medicaid program and inflated dispensing fees, the release said.
Since the start of 2021, Centene has settled with 10 other states over allegations it overbilled Medicaid programs for prescription drugs and services.
At the Becker's 5th Annual Fall Payer Issues Roundtable, taking place November 2–3 in Chicago, payer executives and healthcare leaders will come together to discuss value-based care, regulatory changes, cost management strategies and innovations shaping the future of payer-provider collaboration. Apply for complimentary registration now.