Brothers Admit to Multi-Million Dollar Healthcare Fraud Scheme

Two former chiropractors from Wichita, Kansas, have pleaded guilty in a massive $3.7 million healthcare fraud case, leaving many to wonder how they managed to deceive federal programs for years.

At a Glance

Bradley Eck (54) and Todd Eck (58) admitted to defrauding Medicare and Tricare of $3.7 million.
The fraudulent scheme operated from 2017 to 2019 using illegitimate business setups.
The brothers impersonated a physician and falsified documents to support their claims.
They must reimburse $3.4 million and face up to five years in prison.

Brothers Orchestrate Multi-Million Dollar Fraud

In a shocking case of healthcare fraud, Bradley Eck, 54, and Todd Eck, 58, both former chiropractors from Wichita, Kansas, have admitted to orchestrating a complex scheme that defrauded Medicare and Tricare of over $3.7 million. The brothers’ illegal activities, which spanned from 2017 to 2019, involved creating multiple fraudulent businesses and submitting false claims for medical services that were never provided.

The Eck brothers’ scheme was intricate and deliberate. They misrepresented ownership in documents, used a physician’s provider number without authorization, and even went as far as falsifying the physician’s electronic signature. This level of deception allowed them to bill for services they were not qualified to perform, let alone services that were never actually rendered to patients.

Federal Agencies Uncover the Fraud

The case against the Eck brothers was the result of a collaborative investigation involving multiple federal agencies. The U.S. Department of Defense, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and the U.S. Department of the Treasury all played crucial roles in uncovering the extent of the fraud. This joint effort underscores the seriousness with which the federal government treats healthcare fraud, especially when it involves programs like Medicare and Tricare that are designed to help our nation’s elderly and military personnel.

Charges and Plea Deal

Initially, the brothers faced a slew of charges including conspiracy to commit healthcare fraud, false statements related to healthcare matters, healthcare fraud, aggravated identity theft, money laundering, and money laundering conspiracy. These charges were brought forth by a federal grand jury in Wichita on August 19, highlighting the extensive nature of their fraudulent activities.

Two Wichita brothers have pleaded guilty in a Medicare fraud scheme. https://t.co/R90S6AbZKW

— KFDI News (@kfdinews) October 3, 2024

As part of their plea deal, the Eck brothers have agreed to reimburse $3.4 million of the fraudulently obtained funds. This substantial restitution demonstrates the government’s commitment to recovering taxpayer money that was wrongfully acquired through deceit and manipulation of the healthcare system.

Consequences and Sentencing

The fallout from their actions has been severe for the Eck brothers. Both have had their chiropractic licenses revoked, effectively ending their careers in healthcare. This disciplinary action serves as a stark reminder of the professional consequences that come with engaging in fraudulent practices.

Looking ahead, the brothers face potential imprisonment of up to five years when they are sentenced in January 2025. This case serves as a powerful deterrent to others who might consider exploiting the healthcare system for personal gain. It demonstrates that such crimes not only carry hefty financial penalties but also the very real possibility of losing one’s freedom.

Protecting the Integrity of Healthcare Programs

The case of the Eck brothers highlights the ongoing challenge of protecting federal healthcare programs from fraud. It underscores the need for vigilance and robust oversight to ensure that taxpayer funds are used as intended – to provide necessary medical care for those who need it most. As healthcare costs continue to rise, it’s crucial that every dollar allocated to these programs is used efficiently and honestly.

This case also serves as a reminder to healthcare providers of the severe consequences that come with attempting to defraud the system. The loss of professional licenses, substantial financial penalties, and potential imprisonment should give pause to anyone considering similar schemes. It’s a stark illustration that the short-term gains from fraud are far outweighed by the long-term consequences.