Tulare Healthcare is expected to pay the government more than $2.4 million to settle allegations of submitting false claims to the Medicare system and illegally paying doctors for referrals.

Former Tulare Healthcare chief financial advisor, Maria Lucy Reimche, filed a whistleblower lawsuit claiming the company violated anti-kickback laws and made false claims to Medicare for reimbursement for services provided to referred patients.

Tulare Healthcare is comprised of Tulare Local Healthcare District, Tulare District Healthcare Systems and Tulare District Hospital. This case was investigated by the Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General and the United States Attorney’s Office.