Allegations of Medicaid fraud are impacting critical autism services, particularly applied behavioral analysis therapy for children. Families express concerns as fraudulent billing practices come to light. Christina Coleman reports on these issues alongside Lindsey Chaney and Kelsey Bennett from the Autism Families Alliance.
A significant case involves a Texas mental health clinic owner, Kevin D. Curry, convicted for orchestrating a $26 million fraud scheme against TRICARE, the military’s health care program. Authorities state that Curry used some proceeds for luxury purchases, including a gold-plated Tesla Cybertruck.
Curry, 64, of Frisco, was found guilty on several charges including health care fraud and illegal healthcare kickbacks. He exploited TRICARE by billing for unnecessary or unprovided transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) therapy, confirming the Justice Department.
“Curry’s exploitation of TRICARE was extensive, leading to fraudulent claims totaling over $26 million,” said federal prosecutors.
Curry operated clinics in Plano and Fort Worth, Texas, and Fort Walton Beach, Florida. He offered more than $5.5 million in kickbacks to secure participation from servicemembers and their families, many of whom did not receive the advertised TMS therapy. Evidence showed deliberate fabrication of medical records and unauthorized use of licensed doctors’ credentials.
Prosecutors revealed that Curry’s clinics submitted claims to TRICARE resulting in around $17 million being paid. He utilized some of these funds for extravagant expenditures, such as luxury hotel stays and a lavish casino-themed event. Assistant Attorney General Colin M. McDonald stated, “This defendant exploited servicemembers and their families, misusing taxpayer dollars to finance personal luxuries.”
U.S. Attorney Ryan Raybould criticized Curry for betraying servicemember trust by falsifying medical documentation and stealing doctors’ identities. Curry awaits sentencing, facing a maximum of 10 years in prison for each count. The sentence will depend on U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors.