2 Nassau Pharmacies Accused Of $8M Healthcare Fraud Scheme: Police

NASSAU COUNTY, NY — Two Nassau County pharmacies were accused of participating in a healthcare fraud scheme involving approximately $8 million in pharmaceutical billing, police said.

Nassau County police identified the pharmacies as RNJ Pharmacy, Inc. in Freeport and Jericho Express Rx, Inc. in Floral Park. The businesses were accused of $8 million in pharmaceutical billing and receiving about $5 million in payments as part of the scheme, police said.

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According to police, an investigation dubbed Operation RX Hammer determined that the pharmacies submitted claims for high-cost prescription medications, with a significant portion of the billing involving Medicaid, Medicare, and private insurance.

"Claims were submitted without the knowledge or consent of the prescribing physicians or intended beneficiaries, and the medications associated with the claims were never dispensed," police said.

RNJ Pharmacy, Inc. was charged with second-degree healthcare fraud, second-degree grand larceny, and three counts of first-degree identity theft, police said.

Jericho Express Rx, Inc. was charged with second-degree healthcare fraud, second-degree grand larceny, and two counts of first-degree identity theft, police said.

In response to the investigation, the NCPD will establish the PHANTOM Task Force to combat similar schemes involving pharmacy fraud, fraudulent pharmaceutical billing, and identity theft, police said.

"Operation RX Hammer highlights the importance of coordinated law enforcement efforts to investigate healthcare fraud, protect patients and healthcare programs, and hold those responsible for alleged criminal activity accountable," police said.