Recently, allegations of Medicaid fraud have surfaced, targeting applied behavioral analysis therapy services meant for children with autism. These allegations have left families worried about the authenticity of care provided. Christina Coleman delves into the growing issue of fraudulent billing practices. She is joined by Lindsey Chaney and Kelsey Bennett from the Autism Families Alliance, who discuss the repercussions of these fraudulent activities on affected families.
In a related case, Kevin D. Curry, a Texas mental health clinic owner, was convicted by a federal jury. Prosecutors accused him of orchestrating a $26 million scheme to defraud the military’s health care program, TRICARE. The scheme allegedly involved using some of the proceeds for luxury items, such as a gold-plated Tesla Cybertruck worth over $100,000.
Curry, who is 64 and from Frisco, faced numerous charges. He was found guilty in a federal court in Fort Worth on charges including health care fraud, offering and paying illegal health care kickbacks, and engaging in monetary transactions with criminally derived property. The Justice Department provided these details.
Federal prosecutors stated that Curry exploited TRICARE, a health care program in place for active-duty servicemembers, retirees, and their families. The exploitation involved billing for medically unnecessary or unprovided transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) therapy.
Evidence presented at the trial revealed Curry’s ownership and operation of mental health clinics in Plano and Fort Worth, Texas, as well as in Fort Walton Beach, Florida. To recruit unsuspecting clients, he paid over $5.5 million in illegal kickbacks. These clients often included active-duty servicemembers and veterans, who consented to TMS therapy despite not qualifying for or receiving it.
The Justice Department highlighted Curry’s fraudulent activities. He falsely identified himself as a medical doctor, using licensed doctors’ credentials without their permission to file claims with TRICARE. Additionally, he instructed team members to fabricate medical records to support fraudulent claims.
Authorities reported that Curry’s clinics submitted claims totaling more than $26 million to TRICARE. From this amount, TRICARE paid approximately $17 million for services falsely represented or influenced by kickbacks.
Prosecutors further shared details of how Curry laundered some of the illegal earnings. The purchases included extravagant hotel stays, a casino-themed party, and the gold-plated Tesla Cybertruck valued at more than $100,000.
Assistant Attorney General Colin M. McDonald commented on Curry’s actions. He emphasized that Curry exploited a vital health care program, diverting taxpayer funds for personal luxuries. U.S. Attorney Ryan Raybould accused Curry of breaching the trust of servicemembers, veterans, and their families. Curry fabricated medical records, misused doctors’ identities, and submitted fraudulent claims while benefiting from kickback-related money.
Curry’s sentencing is pending. He faces up to 10 years in prison on each of the nine counts against him. A federal district court judge will determine his sentence after reviewing the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors.
Reporter Bradford Betz covered this story for Fox News Digital, focusing on crime and political issues, among other topics.
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