Stacey and Eddie Albert lead pretty healthy lives. She's a nutritionist. He's a personal trainer. They rarely go to the doctor, other than their annual physicals.
For years, they were covered by Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey. In 2013, they paid about $360 a month for a plan that met their needs.
Before Obamacare, some liked their health care plans better - Mar. 31, 2017
Friday, March 31, 2017
How to Avoid Procrastination in Your Small Business
Whether it’s putting off that next deadline or waiting to start up your company in the first place, procrastination is the small business owner’s mortal enemy. So how can you be sure that you’re not delaying important projects longer than needed — for whatever deeply rooted reason. Here members of the Small Business Trends community share some of their own solutions — and in one case the fact that the search for a solution is ongoing.
How to Avoid Procrastination in Your Small Business
How to Avoid Procrastination in Your Small Business
7 Steps Small Businesses Can Take to Offer Fast and Free Shipping
By the summer, eBay will be offering three-day delivery on 20 million items with no cost to customers. Any shipping charges from the online retail giant arriving late will be refunded and those items can be returned for free.
Customers will also be able to receive a $5 coupon toward another purchase when eBay’s new shipping policies take effect. Competitors like Amazon have lowered their non-Prime free shipping threshold to $35 dollars adding to the trend that’s putting pressure on small businesses and entrepreneurs. Statistics report that 95 percent of Americans shop online at least once a year. Over half or 51 percent prefer online shopping and 5 percent shop on the internet daily. Small independent businesses need to come up with new ways to offer free or cheap shipping that’s fast to compete.
7 Steps Small Businesses Can Take to Offer Fast and Free Shipping
When is it Time to Fire a Client or Customer?
Many times a small business owner is so wrapped up in running the business and also running after new business that he or she doesn’t realize that they would be better off firing the clients who are making them crazy. Now that is not to say anytime a client starts getting on your nerves you should jump at the chance to get rid of them. As a small business coach, I have seen countless times the angst and frustration business owners go through when they are being treated poorly again and again by one of their clients.
More often than not, this one client is causing them to lose focus of their goals to be productive and increase profitability in other areas because they are so wrapped up in that one client who is either making unreasonable requests, paying late or asking for ridiculous pricing and expedited deadlines.
When is it Time to Fire a Client or Customer?
Thursday, March 30, 2017
Putin says 'welcome' to US business in Russia, offers to work in Arctic jointly — RT Business
Russia and the United States can patch things up if they cooperate in the Arctic, said Russian President Vladimir Putin at the International Artic Forum in Arkhangelsk on Thursday.
Putin says 'welcome' to US business in Russia, offers to work in Arctic jointly — RT Business
Putin says 'welcome' to US business in Russia, offers to work in Arctic jointly — RT Business
What is Kik Messenger and How Can You Use it for Your Small Business?
Kik Messenger is a Canadian-based instant messenger for mobile devices. Commonly referred to as Kik, the app has effectively differentiating itself from the rest of the competition earning a growing user base.
What makes Kik standout and makes it loved by its users is the privacy. The app’s business model, which requires no phone number, has earned Kik a base of more than 300 million registered users. These users are able to register with simply their email address, date of birth and chosen username. To date, Kik is the only mobile messenger service to allow such a simple signup with so little personal information.
What is Kik Messenger and How Can You Use it for Your Small Business?
Bristol-Myers Squibb Enters Collaboration to Leverage Foundation Medicine’s Molecular Information Platform to Identify Predictive Biomarkers Across Multiple Tumor Types and Immunotherapy Agents | BMS Newsroom
NEW YORK & CAMBRIDGE, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Bristol-Myers Squibb Company (NYSE:BMY) and Foundation Medicine (NASDAQ:FMI) today announced a collaboration that leverages Foundation Medicine’s comprehensive genomic profiling and molecular information solutions to identify predictive biomarkers such as Tumor Mutational Burden (TMB) and Microsatellite Instability (MSI) in patients enrolled across clinical trials investigating Bristol-Myers Squibb’s cancer immunotherapies. Biomarkers can be used to characterize a tumor and the tumor microenvironment, which may reveal immune-related mechanisms predictive of how a patient may respond to immunotherapy.
Bristol-Myers Squibb Enters Collaboration to Leverage Foundation Medicine’s Molecular Information Platform to Identify Predictive Biomarkers Across Multiple Tumor Types and Immunotherapy Agents | BMS Newsroom
Bristol-Myers Squibb Enters Collaboration to Leverage Foundation Medicine’s Molecular Information Platform to Identify Predictive Biomarkers Across Multiple Tumor Types and Immunotherapy Agents | BMS Newsroom
How to Avoid Missed Opportunities in Startup Investment
When social networking company Snap went public recently, legendary angel investor Chris Sacca tweeted an email from Snap’s founder Brian Murphy asking to meet with him when the company was first getting started. Sacca pointed out that he never responded to the message.
Similarly, Brian Chesky, founder of Airbnb, wrote in a blog post recently that he was turned down by seven venture capitalists when the company tried to raise $150,000 at a $1.5 million valuation back in 2008.
How to Avoid Missed Opportunities in Startup Investment
Why Your Small Business Should Hire a Virtual Assistant
There’s a common misconception that virtual assistants are some kind of “luxury” only affordable by the big companies to outsource projects that require less management but are considered an overhead. Actually, the other way around seems to be true as more and more freelancers and small companies resort to hiring virtual assistants as a solution to the limited time they have available. By the point where business is stable, small business owners realize that, even though they’re doing well, they don’t have much time to be creative and take their dream further.
Some entrepreneurs think that a physical assistant will get the job done better than a hired virtual assistant would. But, the truth is, having a physical assistant takes up a lot more time and energy than a virtual one. And why should you hire a virtual assistant?
Why Your Small Business Should Hire a Virtual Assistant
6 Tips for Retailers to Manage Inventory Better
Managing inventory is one of the most important aspects of retail. Automation is easing up the retail sector – both online and offline. Alongside automation, some crafty techniques can help retailers manage their inventories better.
6 Tips for Retailers to Manage Inventory Better
6 Tips for Retailers to Manage Inventory Better
FDA Grants Priority Review For Amgen's BLINCYTO® (blinatumomab) Supplemental Biologics License Application
Amgen - Investors - RSS Content
Journal Of Clinical Oncology Publishes Data On BLINCYTO® (Blinatumomab) In High-Risk Patients With Philadelphia Chromosome-Positive B-Cell Precursor Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia
Amgen - Investors - RSS Content
Pinterest Propel Introduces Special Services for Small Businesses
Pinterest wants to recruit small business advertisers.
The social media platform and visual search engine just launched Pinterest Propel, a program that provides special services to new advertisers that don’t quite understand how the site works. It includes free one-on-one support for 30 days to advertisers that meet its criteria. The initiative is specifically designed to attract more small and medium sized businesses as advertisers.
Pinterest Propel Introduces Special Services for Small Businesses
Hiring Regs Set Back Small Businesses $11,700 Annually, Report Finds
America’s small business community has long lamented the heavy burden of government regulations on their operations. One specific area government regulations come down hard on small businesses is in the hiring of new employees.
Hiring Regs Set Back Small Businesses $11,700 Annually, Report Finds
Hiring Regs Set Back Small Businesses $11,700 Annually, Report Finds
10 Steps to Going Paperless
Not only does generating a paperless workplace help businesses save money and spend less, but it also puts them on the road to being more environmentally-friendly. If you are thinking about exchanging the file cabinets bursting with mountains of documents for a paperless system, but are not sure where to start, take a look at the following 10 steps to going paperless.
10 Steps to Going Paperless
10 Steps to Going Paperless
Jeff Bezos passes Warren Buffett to become the world's second richest person - Mar. 29, 2017
Move over Warren Buffett! Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos is now the second richest person on Earth.
The latest tally by Bloomberg's Billionaires Index shows Bezos is now worth about $75.6 billion. Another ranking compiled by Forbes has Bezos' value at "just" $75.2 billion.
Jeff Bezos passes Warren Buffett to become the world's second richest person - Mar. 29, 2017
The latest tally by Bloomberg's Billionaires Index shows Bezos is now worth about $75.6 billion. Another ranking compiled by Forbes has Bezos' value at "just" $75.2 billion.
Jeff Bezos passes Warren Buffett to become the world's second richest person - Mar. 29, 2017
eBay Set to Launch 3-Day Guaranteed Delivery Program
Your customers want what you’re selling right away.
And eBay (NASDAQ:EBAY) is the latest ecommerce site to offer its shoppers an expedited delivery option.
eBay Set to Launch 3-Day Guaranteed Delivery Program
The UPS Foundation Commits $14.1 Million To Humanitarian Relief & Community Safety
Investing in the Enhancement of Humanitarian and Public Health Supply Chains in Africa and Around the World
The UPS Foundation Commits $14.1 Million To Humanitarian Relief & Community Safety
The UPS Foundation Commits $14.1 Million To Humanitarian Relief & Community Safety
Spotlight: Rush Bowls Puts a New Twist on Healthy Eating
Consumers are becoming increasingly interested in healthy and natural food options. And that interest in health food has opened up new opportunities for businesses like the Rush Bowls franchise.
Rush Bowls offers unique menu items that consist of blended fruit and other healthy ingredients. Read more about the business and the story behind it in this week’s Small Business Spotlight.
Spotlight: Rush Bowls Puts a New Twist on Healthy Eating
What is COPPA and How Does It Affect How You Promote Your Business?
Small businesses beware: If you run a website, an online service or a mobile app that collects information from children under the age of 13, you could be liable for hefty fines if you don’t comply with the Children’s Online Protection Privacy Act (COPPA).
What is COPPA and How Does It Affect How You Promote Your Business?
What is COPPA and How Does It Affect How You Promote Your Business?
Tesla's new China backer is a tech giant with hundreds of millions of users - Mar. 29, 2017
Elon Musk has a new friend in China.
Tech and gaming giant Tencent (TCEHY) just ponied up $1.8 billion for a 5% stake in Tesla (TSLA).
Tesla's new China backer is a tech giant with hundreds of millions of users - Mar. 29, 2017
Tech and gaming giant Tencent (TCEHY) just ponied up $1.8 billion for a 5% stake in Tesla (TSLA).
Tesla's new China backer is a tech giant with hundreds of millions of users - Mar. 29, 2017
10 Facebook Groups You Can Rely on for Management Advice
Finding good information for startups is hard to do; there is a lot of noise out there. To discover who our entrepreneurs listen to when trying to stay on top of trends and techniques, we asked 10 Young Entrepreneur Council (YEC) members this question:
“What public-facing Facebook groups or pages do you rely on for management information and advice?”
10 Facebook Groups You Can Rely on for Management Advice
Want Customers to Stay Awhile? Offer Free WiFi
If you’re looking for ways to make customers spend more time in your retail business, restaurant, or shop, here’s one to consider: offering free WiFi to customers. By providing a service that just about everyone needs, you’re building in value to your customers and giving them a reason to stay longer in your place of business. Not only that, but you could boost sales by up to 50%!
Want Customers to Stay Awhile? Offer Free WiFi
Want Customers to Stay Awhile? Offer Free WiFi
Debunking Myths About Mom and Pop Shops (INFOGRAPHIC)
Mom-and-pop shops still make up a large portion of retail small businesses.
But one of the biggest myths about mom-and-pops is that they’re almost always run by the pops, not the moms.
Debunking Myths About Mom and Pop Shops (INFOGRAPHIC)
Toshiba's Westinghouse Electric is filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy - Mar. 29, 2017
Westinghouse Electric used to be a component of the Dow Jones Industrial Average. - JBK
U.S. nuclear company Westinghouse Electric is filing for bankruptcy, its Japanese owner Toshiba said Wednesday.
Westinghouse, which was bought by Toshiba in 2006, has suffered billions of dollars in losses due to delays and cost overruns at nuclear plants under construction in Georgia and South Carolina.
Toshiba's Westinghouse Electric is filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy - Mar. 29, 2017
U.S. nuclear company Westinghouse Electric is filing for bankruptcy, its Japanese owner Toshiba said Wednesday.
Westinghouse, which was bought by Toshiba in 2006, has suffered billions of dollars in losses due to delays and cost overruns at nuclear plants under construction in Georgia and South Carolina.
Toshiba's Westinghouse Electric is filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy - Mar. 29, 2017
7 Ideas to Improve Brand Loyalty Through Email Marketing
Email marketing serves a number of purposes, integrating multiple separate marketing channels and funneling your audience into one place. However, most email marketers end up narrowing their focus to only one email marketing goal: click-throughs. It’s certainly important to optimize your emails for click-throughs, as more traffic to your site usually translates directly to more revenue.
However, there’s another dimension of email marketing strategy that could lead to an even longer-term return on your investment: brand loyalty. This is how you can generate repeat business on a consistent basis. If you can facilitate greater brand loyalty through your content marketing campaign, you’ll generate customers who are willing to buy from you over and over again—and not from your competitors.
7 Ideas to Improve Brand Loyalty Through Email Marketing
Hedge fund exec whose former firm was linked to Madoff jumps to his death - Mar. 28, 2017
An executive whose former hedge fund invested $7 billion in Bernard Madoff's Ponzi scheme jumped 20 stories to his death from a high-rise Manhattan hotel, police said.
Charles Murphy was found dead on the fourth-floor terrace of the Sofitel hotel on Monday, according to a police source.
Hedge fund exec whose former firm was linked to Madoff jumps to his death - Mar. 28, 2017
Charles Murphy was found dead on the fourth-floor terrace of the Sofitel hotel on Monday, according to a police source.
Hedge fund exec whose former firm was linked to Madoff jumps to his death - Mar. 28, 2017
Millennials and College Students Prefer Snapchat to Facebook, Survey Says
According to a survey carried out by online marketplace for student loan refinancing LendEDU, 58 percent of college students are checking Snapchat (NYSE:SNAP) before Instagram, LinkedIn and Facebook combined.
Millennials and College Students Prefer Snapchat to Facebook, Survey Says
Millennials and College Students Prefer Snapchat to Facebook, Survey Says
Nearly All U.S. Exporters are Small Businesses (INFOGRAPHIC)
An astonishing 97 percent of all U.S. companies that export products are actually small businesses.
That’s according to new research by SCORE, a nonprofit association for small businesses.
Nearly All U.S. Exporters are Small Businesses (INFOGRAPHIC)
UPS Honors Kansas Drivers For 25 Years Of Safe Driving
UPS (NYSE:UPS) announced that 17 elite drivers from Kansas are among 1,575 newly inducted worldwide into the Circle of Honor, an honorary organization for UPS drivers who have achieved 25 or more years of accident-free driving.
UPS Honors Kansas Drivers For 25 Years Of Safe Driving
UPS Honors Kansas Drivers For 25 Years Of Safe Driving
UnitedHealth Group - Empower Retirement and Optum Launch Innovative, Integrated HSA Solution for Retirement Plan Participants
GREENWOOD VILLAGE, Colo. (Mar. 28, 2017) —
UnitedHealth Group - Empower Retirement and Optum Launch Innovative, Integrated HSA Solution for Retirement Plan Participants
Today Empower Retirement, the nation's second-largest retirement plan provider, and health services leader Optum launched an innovative health savings account (HSA) for retirement plan participants – The Empower Health Savings Account.
UnitedHealth Group - Empower Retirement and Optum Launch Innovative, Integrated HSA Solution for Retirement Plan Participants
U.S. drone registrations skyrocket to 770,000 - Mar. 28, 2017
There are a lot of drones in the United States -- and the number is growing rapidly.
More than 770,000 U.S. drone registrations have been filed in about 15 months, the Federal Aviation Administration's Michael Huerta said at a conference on Monday.
U.S. drone registrations skyrocket to 770,000 - Mar. 28, 2017
More than 770,000 U.S. drone registrations have been filed in about 15 months, the Federal Aviation Administration's Michael Huerta said at a conference on Monday.
U.S. drone registrations skyrocket to 770,000 - Mar. 28, 2017
Animaker Introduces First Animated Vertical Video Platform
While you may have been accustomed to watching videos horizontally thanks to the TV and movies, the next video marketing wave is vertical videos.
Vertical videos were historically shunned by creative agencies, marketers and video creators because they did not fit the aspect ratio of established moving image forms.
Animaker Introduces First Animated Vertical Video Platform
UPS Expands China-Europe Rail Service
More cities added in China and Europe enable greater access to alternative shipping options for UPS customers
UPS Expands China-Europe Rail Service
UPS Expands China-Europe Rail Service
Elon Musk's new venture could link brains with computers - Mar. 28, 2017
Elon Musk is teasing his followers about his next bold move: hooking up brains with computers.
The billionaire entrepreneur tweeted Tuesday that he's preparing to launch Neuralink, a new venture that the Wall Street Journal reported would focus on "neural lace."
Elon Musk's new venture could link brains with computers - Mar. 28, 2017
The billionaire entrepreneur tweeted Tuesday that he's preparing to launch Neuralink, a new venture that the Wall Street Journal reported would focus on "neural lace."
Elon Musk's new venture could link brains with computers - Mar. 28, 2017
How to Use Slack for Your Small Business Team - Free!
Slack is a messaging and collaboration system on steroids. The app brings all your team’s communications and files where they are instantly searchable.
You can pretty much do everything in Slack — from keeping tabs on your business finances at a glance while tracking how your customers use your app to getting a daily digest of top news from around the web.
How to Use Slack for Your Small Business Team - Free!
Amgen Awards Three Golden Tickets for LabCentral Residency
Amgen - Investors - RSS Content
Wednesday, March 29, 2017
Samsung Galaxy S8 and S8+ are first new flagship phones since exploding phone debacle - Mar. 29, 2017
Say goodbye to the Galaxy's home button and hello to an infinity display.
Samsung (SSNLF) unveiled the Galaxy S8 and S8+ at an event in New York on Wednesday. The new phones are bigger than the Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge and have curved screens that flow onto the sides.
Samsung Galaxy S8 and S8+ are first new flagship phones since exploding phone debacle - Mar. 29, 2017
Samsung (SSNLF) unveiled the Galaxy S8 and S8+ at an event in New York on Wednesday. The new phones are bigger than the Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge and have curved screens that flow onto the sides.
Samsung Galaxy S8 and S8+ are first new flagship phones since exploding phone debacle - Mar. 29, 2017
China claims discovery of its largest gold mine with $22 billion potential — RT Business
The biggest ever gold deposit of an estimated 380 tons has been discovered in China, announced Shandong Gold Group during a news conference in Beijing on Tuesday.
China claims discovery of its largest gold mine with $22 billion potential — RT Business
China claims discovery of its largest gold mine with $22 billion potential — RT Business
Tuesday, March 28, 2017
Decatur Insurance Agent Pleads Guilty to Fraud Scheme, Money Laundering
Department of Justice
U.S. Attorney’s Office
Central District of Illinois
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, March 23, 2017
Decatur Insurance Agent Pleads Guilty to Fraud Scheme, Money Laundering
PEORIA, Ill. – A Decatur, Ill., man, James P. Smith, who worked as an independent insurance agent, today pled guilty to charges that he defrauded his clients of more than $250,000 from February 2011 to July 2016. Smith, 60, of the 5400 block of Traughber Road, appeared before Chief U.S. District Judge James E. Shadid in Peoria. Sentencing is scheduled on July 20, 2017.
During today’s court appearance, Judge Shadid granted the defense’s motion for Smith’s release from federal custody; however, Smith remains in law enforcement custody on charges previously filed by the Macon County State’s Attorney’s Office.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Macon County Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation. Supervisory Assistant U.S. Attorney Eugene L. Miller is prosecuting the case with the cooperation of the Macon County State’s Attorney’s Office.
Smith acted as an independent agent at the Prairie State Insurance Agency in Decatur. According to court documents and statements made in court, from at least February 2011 through July 2016, Smith solicited clients to purchase insurance, including whole life insurance, and financial products, including annuities. As part of the scheme, Smith admitted that he falsely represented the minimum rate of return the annuities could obtain for his clients. Instead of investing clients’ money in insurance, annuities, or other financial products, as promised, Smith used the money for his own benefit.
Smith requested that clients make payment to “MSM, Inc.,” which he represented was the insurance company or the investment company for the annuity the clients were purchasing. In fact, as Smith knew, MSM, Inc., was actually Main Street Marathon, a gas station in Mt. Zion, Ill., that Smith owned. Rather than use clients’ funds as represented, Smith used the money to finance the gas station and to make mortgage payments on his personal residence.
Smith also admitted he cancelled or cashed out clients’ insurance policies or annuities without their knowledge or permission, and then used the cash value and / or future premiums or payments for personal expenses. Smith admitted he used the money to pay his attorney’s fees, personal bankruptcy fees, and to make purported annuity payments to other clients to prevent them from discovering that he had not purchased their annuities as promised.
The maximum statutory penalty for each offense is prescribed by Congress and is provided for informational purposes, as sentencing is determined by the court based on the advisory Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. For each of the offenses, mail fraud (two counts) wire fraud (one count), and money laundering (one count) the maximum penalty is 20 years in prison.
Miami-Based Physician Charged For Role in Pain Pill Diversion and Medicare Fraud Schemes
Department of Justice
U.S. Attorney’s Office
Southern District of Florida
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, March 23, 2017
Miami-Based Physician Charged For Role in Pain Pill Diversion and Medicare Fraud Schemes
A physician licensed in Puerto Rico, who was practicing medicine in Miami, was charged in a 16-count indictment unsealed today for his alleged participation in a multi-faceted $20 million health care fraud scheme involving the submission of false and fraudulent claims to Medicare and Medicaid and the illegal distribution of oxycodone and other controlled substances.
Acting U.S. Attorney Benjamin G. Greenberg of the Southern District of Florida, Acting Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Blanco of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, Special Agent in Charge George L. Piro of the FBI’s Miami Field Office, Special Agent in Charge Shimon R. Richmond of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General’s (HHS-OIG) Miami Regional Office and Special Agent in Charge Brian Swain of the United States Secret Service’s (USSS) Miami Field Office made the announcement.
Roberto A. Fernandez, M.D., 51, of Miami, was charged with one count of conspiracy to commit health care fraud and wire fraud, 11 counts of health care fraud, one count of conspiracy to defraud the United States and pay and receive health care bribes and kickbacks, one count of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances and two counts of distribution of controlled substances. Fernandez was arrested on March 22, 2017, and made his initial appearance today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Andrea M. Simonton of the Southern District of Florida.
According to the indictment, from approximately December 2009 to March 2017, Fernandez owned and operated Florida-based Latin Foundation for Health Inc. and purported to practice medicine as an “area of critical need” doctor at Latin Foundation for Health and other facilities in Miami-Dade County.
The indictment alleges that from approximately January 2011 through February 2017, Fernandez referred Medicare beneficiaries and Medicaid recipients who were purportedly under his care to Calan Pharmacy & Discount Service LLC, a Medicare Part D provider, and several Miami-area home health agencies in exchange for illegal bribes and kickbacks from his co-conspirators. The indictment further alleges that Fernandez submitted false and fraudulent claims through Medicare Part B for services, office visits and procedures that he never provided, such as therapeutic injections and removal of lesions from patients’ faces, and provided prescriptions for home health services and medications regardless of whether they were medically necessary.
The indictment further alleges that Fernandez illegally dispensed controlled substances, including but not limited to the Schedule II controlled substances Oxycodone and Hydrocodone and the Schedule IV controlled substance Alprazolam, to his co-conspirators.
According to the indictment, Fernandez and his co-conspirators caused Medicare to pay at least approximately $4.4 million based on false and fraudulent claims that they caused to be submitted. The indictment also alleges that Medicare, through Part D, paid a total of approximately $20 million as a result of claims submitted listing Fernandez as the prescribing physician.
An indictment is merely an allegation and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
The FBI, HHS-OIG and USSS investigated the case, which was brought as part of the Medicare Fraud Strike Force, supervised by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida and the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section. Former Fraud Section Trial Attorney and current Assistant U.S. Attorney Lisa H. Miller of the Southern District of Florida and Fraud Section Trial Attorney Adam G. Yoffie are prosecuting the case.
Since its inception in March 2007, the Medicare Fraud Strike Force, now operating in nine cities across the country, has charged nearly 3,000 defendants who have collectively billed the Medicare program for more than $11 billion. In addition, the HHS Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, working in conjunction with the HHS-OIG, are taking steps to increase accountability and decrease the presence of fraudulent providers.
Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or on http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov.
Osteopathic Doctor Pleads Guilty in Multi-Million Dollar Health Care Fraud and Money Laundering Scheme Involving Sober Homes and Alcohol and Drug Addiction Treatment Centers
Department of Justice
U.S. Attorney’s Office
Southern District of Florida
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, March 23, 2017
Osteopathic Doctor Pleads Guilty in Multi-Million Dollar Health Care Fraud and Money Laundering Scheme Involving Sober Homes and Alcohol and Drug Addiction Treatment Centers
An osteopathic doctor pled guilty for his participation in a multi-million dollar health care fraud and money laundering scheme that involved the filing of fraudulent insurance claim forms and defrauded health care benefit programs.
Benjamin G. Greenberg, Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, George L. Piro, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Miami Field Office, Kelly R. Jackson, Special Agent in Charge, Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), Dave Aronberg, State Attorney, Palm Beach County State Attorney’s Office, Jeff Atwater, Florida Chief Financial Officer, William D. Snyder, Sheriff Martin County Sheriff's Office, Robert Koons, Special Agent in Charge, Amtrak Office of Inspector General, Rafiq Ahmad, Special Agent in Charge, United States Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General (DOL-OIG), Isabel Colon, Regional Director, United States Department of Labor, Employee Benefits Security Administration (DOL-EBSA), Dennis Russo, Director of Operations, National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB), Ric Bradshaw, Sheriff, Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office (PBSO), Sarah Mooney, Chief, West Palm Beach Police Department, Jeffrey S. Goldman, Chief, Delray Beach Police Department, Pam Bondi, Florida Attorney General, and Scott Rezendes, Special Agent in Charge, Office of Personnel Management, Office of Inspector General (OPM-OIG), made the announcement.
Donald Willems, 41, of Weston, pled guilty to one count of conspiring to commit health care fraud, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1347; all in violation of Tile 18, United States Code, Section 1349. Sentencing is scheduled for June 7, 2017 at 10:00 a.m. before U.S. District Judge Donald M. Middlebrooks. At sentencing, Willems faces up to 10 years in prison.
According to court documents, Willems’ co-defendants established sober homes which were purportedly in the business of providing safe and drug-free residences for individuals suffering from drug and alcohol addiction. To obtain residents for the sober homes, members of the conspiracy provided kickbacks and bribes, in the form of free or reduced rent and other benefits, to individuals with insurance who agreed to reside at the sober homes, attend drug treatment, and submit to regular drug testing that members of the conspiracy could bill to the residents’ insurance plans. Although the sober homes were purportedly drug-free residences, the co-defendants permitted the residents to continue using drugs as long as they attended treatment and submitted to drug testing. The sober homes’ residents were referred to treatment centers that purportedly offered services for persons suffering from alcohol and drug addiction. In most instances, the co-defendants knew that the sober home residents referred to the treatment centers, Journey to Recovery LLC, in Lake Worth, Florida, and Reflections Treatment Center, LLC (Reflections), in Margate, Florida, were using drugs.
Willems was a licensed osteopathic doctor in the State of Florida, and was the medical director of Reflections from October 2015 to May 2016. Instead of defendant Willems using his medical expertise and his individual assessments of patients to decide what type of laboratory testing was needed by each patient, Willems ordered drug treatment and drug testing for the sober home residents, specifically expensive urine and saliva drug screens and allergy testing, regardless of whether such treatment and testing were medically necessary. Willems also falsely documented patient files to make it appear as though he reviewed the test results. If Willems had, in fact, closely monitored the drug test results, he would have realized that most of the patients at Reflections were continuing to abuse drugs and that urine and saliva samples from other people were being substituted for the patients’ urine and saliva samples.
Willems surrendered his DEA number to the Drug Enforcement Administration following his arrest in 2012 for improperly prescribing controlled pain medications, yet defendant Willems prescribed controlled substances, including opioids, to patients at Reflections using DEA numbers assigned to other physicians and prescriptions that contained the forged signatures of another physician.
Willems knew that insurance claims based on his unlawful prescriptions for lab testing, prescription opioids, and other controlled substances, as well as the unlawful claims based upon the treatment occurring at Reflections and Willems’ examinations were submitted to patients’ health insurance plans. During the period of Willems’ term as Medical Director at Reflections, clinical labs and Reflections billed insurance companies in excess of $28 million and received reimbursements from insurance companies in excess of $6.5 million.
Potential victims should call (561) 822-5114 or submit complaints through the IC3 Complaint Form - https://www.ic3.gov/complaint/default.aspx and use the key word “Chatman Reflections” in the “Description of the Incident” field when submitting complaints related to this case.
Mr. Greenberg commended the investigative efforts of the Greater Palm Beach Health Care Fraud Task Force. Agencies of the task force include the FBI, IRS-CI, the Palm Beach County State Attorney's Office Sober Homes Task Force, Florida Division of Investigative and Forensic Services, Martin County Sheriff's Office, Amtrak OIG, DOL-OIG, DOL-EBSA, National Insurance Crime Bureau, Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office, West Palm Beach Police Department, Delray Beach Police Department, Florida Attorney General Office of Statewide Prosecution, and OPM-OIG. The cases are being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney A. Marie Villafaña.
Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or on http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov.
Where Should Food Businesses Advertise for Biggest Impact? (Infographic)
Like every other small business, companies in the food sector want to lower costs. One way to do that is to be smart when spending advertising dollars.
New research by Condiment Marketing, an Aurora, Colorado-based firm, provides detailed information on food marketing costs in 2016.
Where Should Food Businesses Advertise for Biggest Impact? (Infographic)
Facebook's transformation into Snapchat is almost complete - Mar. 28, 2017
Facebook is bringing glitter beards and cartoon sloth hats to the phone, an important business endeavor it takes very seriously.
Starting Tuesday, Facebook (FB, Tech30) users around the world will be able to use the company's latest Snapchat-like features: an effects-filled camera, short visual stories and more disappearing messages.
Facebook's transformation into Snapchat is almost complete - Mar. 28, 2017
Starting Tuesday, Facebook (FB, Tech30) users around the world will be able to use the company's latest Snapchat-like features: an effects-filled camera, short visual stories and more disappearing messages.
Facebook's transformation into Snapchat is almost complete - Mar. 28, 2017
Qatar announces plans to invest $6 billion in U.K. - Mar. 28, 2017
Qatar is relaxed about Brexit. It has just announced plans to pour another $6 billion into the U.K.
The gas-rich Gulf state has already invested about £40 billion ($50 billion) in Britain, where it owns a string of trophy assets including the Harrods department store and the Shard -- western Europe's tallest building.
Qatar announces plans to invest $6 billion in U.K. - Mar. 28, 2017
The gas-rich Gulf state has already invested about £40 billion ($50 billion) in Britain, where it owns a string of trophy assets including the Harrods department store and the Shard -- western Europe's tallest building.
Qatar announces plans to invest $6 billion in U.K. - Mar. 28, 2017
Good News for Franchises? Joint Employment Regs Appear Doomed
Labor Secretary designee Alexander Acosta’s views on a controversial Obama-era joint employer regulation that business leaders have accused of stunting job creation came to light during his confirmation hearing recently.
His use of the term “untraditional” is being seen by some small business/franchise advocates as the first shot fired across the bow at the expansion of the joint employer standard that has been the subject of extensive debate in the House and Senate.
Good News for Franchises? Joint Employment Regs Appear Doomed
Uber will pull out of Denmark in April - Mar. 28, 2017
Uber is saying "farvel" -- or farewell -- to Denmark.
The ride-sharing juggernaut is shutting down its services in the European country on April 18 after failing to persuade the government to change the law on taxis to accommodate its business model.
Uber will pull out of Denmark in April - Mar. 28, 2017
The ride-sharing juggernaut is shutting down its services in the European country on April 18 after failing to persuade the government to change the law on taxis to accommodate its business model.
Uber will pull out of Denmark in April - Mar. 28, 2017
Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Bristol-Myers Squibb and the Cancer Research Institute Announce Collaboration to Accelerate Immuno-Oncology Research
From Bristol-Myers Squibb:
Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Bristol-Myers Squibb and the Cancer Research Institute Announce Collaboration to Accelerate Immuno-Oncology Research
- Innovative collaboration model designed to accelerate next-generation precision cancer immunotherapy through network of leading research centers and top scientists
- Collaboration will leverage efficiencies in cancer research to rapidly implement novel Immuno-Oncology clinical studies
- Bristol-Myers Squibb is the first industry partner to join a collaboration with the Parker Institute and the Cancer Research Institute
Category:
Tuesday, March 28, 2017 6:59 am EDT
NEW YORK & SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Bristol-Myers Squibb Company (NYSE: BMY) and the Cancer Research Institute (CRI) today announced a multi-year clinical research collaboration to coordinate and rapidly initiate clinical Immuno-Oncology (I-O) studies across the Parker Institute and CRI networks. Bristol-Myers Squibb will work closely with leading Parker Institute and CRI scientists and researchers, soliciting clinical research proposals from their networks and coordinating multi-site collaboration clinical studies to pursue some of the most difficult questions in cancer research. It will provide scientists with an ecosystem of advanced translational tools, precision immunotherapy and cutting-edge bioanalytical expertise to maximize learning and ensure the generation of high quality data to inform future development.
The Parker Institute is a novel collaboration model which includes industry, academic and philanthropic participants, focused on the shared goal of accelerating immunotherapy research to develop and deliver new treatment options for patients. CRI is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing laboratory and clinical research through its global network of academic, industry, and nonprofit partners with the goal of developing lifesaving immunotherapies for all forms of cancer.
The collaboration will build on the Parker Institute model that brings together the nation’s top research institutions to share resources, data and technology to accelerate research through unifying and managing clinical trial design and conducting clinical studies across multi-centers. The Parker Institute currently funds projects across its network of more than 60 laboratories and 300 researchers who work together to advance research and potentially develop new therapies. The Cancer Research Institute will support the collaboration with investment from its Clinical Accelerator venture philanthropy program and access to its global network of leading investigators from around the world.
“Bristol-Myers Squibb is initiating this unique collaboration with a goal of accelerating the identification and development of new treatment options for patients who are facing very serious disease,” said Fouad Namouni, M.D., head of Oncology Development, Bristol-Myers Squibb. “We are excited to partner with the Parker Institute and the Cancer Research Institute to leverage the unique translational capabilities of their networks and explore novel mechanisms of action in the field of I-O.”
This is the Parker Institute’s first major agreement with a biopharma partner. The institute will continue to build key industry relationships critical for the success of its unique model.
“One of our goals is to help facilitate collaborations between academia and industry to help advance cancer research,” said Jeffrey Bluestone, Ph.D., CEO and president of the Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy. “Partnering with Bristol-Myers Squibb, a renowned leader in the field of immuno-oncology development, is a major leap forward for us. We could not be more enthusiastic to start this collaboration, which we believe will accelerate the process of turning important lab discoveries by our investigators into the potential for much needed treatments for patients.”
“Unlocking the full potential of next-generation precision cancer immunotherapy requires the kind of coordination, resources, and logistical support that the Parker Institute and the Cancer Research Institute can offer our research partners, and collaboration with industry leaders like Bristol-Myers Squibb will be essential to hastening the development of new cancer immunotherapies,” said Jill O’Donnell-Tormey, Ph.D., CEO and director of scientific affairs at CRI.
Bristol-Myers Squibb & Immuno-Oncology: Advancing Oncology Research
At Bristol-Myers Squibb, patients are at the center of everything we do. Our vision for the future of cancer care is focused on researching and developing transformational Immuno-Oncology (I-O) medicines that will raise survival expectations in hard-to-treat cancers and will change the way patients live with cancer.
We are leading the scientific understanding of I-O through our extensive portfolio of investigational and approved agents and our differentiated clinical development program, which is studying broad patient populations across more than 35 types of cancers with 13 clinical-stage molecules designed to target different immune system pathways. Our deep expertise and innovative clinical trial designs uniquely position us to advance the science of combinations across multiple tumors and potentially deliver the next wave of I-O combination regimens with a sense of urgency. We also continue to pioneer research that will help facilitate a deeper understanding of the role of immune biomarkers and inform which patients will benefit most from I-O therapies.
We understand making the promise of I-O a reality for the many patients who may benefit from these therapies requires not only innovation on our part but also close collaboration with leading experts in the field. Our partnerships with academia, government, advocacy and biotech companies support our collective goal of providing new treatment options to advance the standards of clinical practice.
About Bristol-Myers Squibb
Bristol-Myers Squibb is a global biopharmaceutical company whose mission is to discover, develop and deliver innovative medicines that help patients prevail over serious diseases. For more information about Bristol-Myers Squibb, visit us at BMS.com or follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter, YouTube and Facebook.
About Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy
The Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy brings together the best scientists, clinicians and industry partners to build a smarter and more coordinated cancer immunotherapy research effort. The Parker Institute is an unprecedented collaboration between the country’s leading immunologists and cancer centers, including Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, Stanford Medicine, the University of California, Los Angeles, the University of California, San Francisco, the University of Pennsylvania and The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. The Parker Institute network also includes more than 40 industry and nonprofit partners, more than 60 labs and more than 300 of the nation’s top researchers focused on treating the deadliest cancers.
The goal is to accelerate the development of breakthrough immune therapies capable of turning most cancers into curable diseases. The institute was created through a $250 million grant from The Parker Foundation. For more information, visit parkerici.org.
About the Cancer Research Institute
The Cancer Research Institute (CRI), established in 1953, is the world’s leading nonprofit organization dedicated exclusively to transforming cancer patient care by advancing scientific efforts to develop new and effective immune system-based strategies to prevent, diagnose, treat, and eventually cure all cancers. Guided by a world-renowned Scientific Advisory Council that includes three Nobel laureates and 26 members of the National Academy of Sciences, CRI has invested $336 million in support of research conducted by immunologists and tumor immunologists at the world’s leading medical centers and universities, and has contributed to many of the key scientific advances that demonstrate the potential for immunotherapy to change the face of cancer treatment. To learn more, go to cancerresearch.org.
How to Deal With High Turnover at Your Store
Turnover is part of life in retailing. After all, this industry tends to attract young employees, part-time workers and others who may see retail as a stepping stone rather than a career path. Still, when turnover is higher than usual, it can leave you struggling. If your store is suffering high turnover, here are some steps you should take to reduce employee turnover.
How to Deal With High Turnover at Your Store
How to Deal With High Turnover at Your Store
Amazon buys Middle East e-commerce giant Souq - Mar. 28, 2017
Amazon has had its eye on the Middle East for some time. Now it's finally made a move.
It has agreed to buy the region's biggest e-commerce platform, Souq.com.
Amazon buys Middle East e-commerce giant Souq - Mar. 28, 2017
It has agreed to buy the region's biggest e-commerce platform, Souq.com.
Amazon buys Middle East e-commerce giant Souq - Mar. 28, 2017
Donald Trump's childhood home sells ... again. For a massive profit - Mar. 27, 2017
A house where Donald Trump once lived in as a child has been generating quite a bit of interest -- and value -- lately.
Donald Trump's childhood home sells ... again. For a massive profit - Mar. 27, 2017
Donald Trump's childhood home sells ... again. For a massive profit - Mar. 27, 2017
After Failure to Repeal Obamacare, Pence and McMahon Reassure Small Businesses
After failure by the U.S. House of Representatives to pass a bill that could repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act Friday, Vice President Mike Pence and SBA Administrator Linda McMahon made a stop in West Virginia to reassure small business owners and listen to their concerns.
After Failure to Repeal Obamacare, Pence and McMahon Reassure Small Businesses
After Failure to Repeal Obamacare, Pence and McMahon Reassure Small Businesses
Small Business Owners and Buyers Ready for Trump Tax Reforms
Healthcare reform is an important issue for small business.
That seems unlikely right now, but just as important, according to recent data from BizBuySell, is tax reform.
Small Business Owners and Buyers Ready for Trump Tax Reforms
This designer clothing line is stylish ... and bulletproof - Mar. 27, 2017
Miguel Caballero isn't your typical boss. He's shot at every one of his employees -- and they've all survived.
This designer clothing line is stylish ... and bulletproof - Mar. 27, 2017
This designer clothing line is stylish ... and bulletproof - Mar. 27, 2017
Uber's self-driving cars are back on the road after an accident - Mar. 27, 2017
Uber's self-driving cars are back on the road, following a weekend crash in Tempe, Ariz. that grounded test cars in Pittsburgh and Arizona.
Uber's self-driving cars are back on the road after an accident - Mar. 27, 2017
Uber's self-driving cars are back on the road after an accident - Mar. 27, 2017
Souring Iran-U.S. relations hang over Boeing's deal - Mar. 27, 2017
The odds of Boeing selling planes to Iran appear to be lengthening by the day.
Souring Iran-U.S. relations hang over Boeing's deal - Mar. 27, 2017
Souring Iran-U.S. relations hang over Boeing's deal - Mar. 27, 2017
Facebook Now Allows Live Video Broadcasts from Your Laptop or Desktop
Facebook (NASDAQ:FB) is taking live streaming to another level as it recently announced that users can now, in addition to smartphones and mobile devices, broadcast live video directly from their laptop or desktop computers.
Facebook Now Allows Live Video Broadcasts from Your Laptop or Desktop
Facebook Now Allows Live Video Broadcasts from Your Laptop or Desktop
Apple Inc. Likely Isn't Holding Back the 10.5-inch iPad Pro -- The Motley Fool
Those Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL) customers excited at the prospect of a new, high-end 10.5-inch iPad Pro launching at an event in March were surely disappointed by the release-by-press-release of the new low-cost iPad and updated storage configurations for the low-cost iPhone SE.
Apple Inc. Likely Isn't Holding Back the 10.5-inch iPad Pro -- The Motley Fool
Apple Inc. Likely Isn't Holding Back the 10.5-inch iPad Pro -- The Motley Fool
Monday, March 27, 2017
Former Finance Director Pleads Guilty to Embezzlement
Department of Justice
U.S. Attorney’s Office
District of Rhode Island
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, March 22, 2017
Former Finance Director Pleads Guilty to Embezzlement
PROVIDENCE – Charles F. Denno, 66, of East Providence, a former finance director for the Providence Plan, pleaded guilty in federal court today to fraud, admitting to the court that he devised and executed a scheme in which he fraudulently converted $742,190.69 of Providence Plan funds for his own use.
The Providence Plan is a non-profit educational entity which receives federal, state and private grant funds, including funds from the United States Department of Education and the Bloomberg Family Foundation. These grant funds are to be used to support educational and other programs for adults and children in Rhode Island. Annually, the federal grant funds awarded to the Providence Plan totaled in excess of four million dollars.
Denno’s guilty plea to one count of wire fraud is announced by Acting United States Attorney Stephen G. Dambruch; Colonel Ann C. Assumpico, Superintendent of the Rhode Island State Police; Brian Hickey, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Education Office of Inspector General; and Harold H. Shaw, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division.
Appearing before U.S. District Court Chief William E. Smith, Denno admitted to the court that from November 2012 through July 2016, that he used his authority to cause the U.S. Department of Education and the Bloomberg Family foundation to deposit funds into Providence Plan bank accounts, and then fraudulently converted funds to his own accounts and personal use. Denno admitted to the court that he fraudulently prepared and issued Providence Plan checks made payable to CMG Enterprises, an entity he owned. The payments issued to CMG and deposited into a CMG bank account were not authorized and contained a forgery of the authorized check signing official at the Providence Plan. Denno subsequently made multiple withdrawals from the CMG bank account in various forms, including credit card payments, check payments and ATM cash withdrawals at Twin River Casino.
Denno is scheduled to be sentenced on June 23, 2017. Wire fraud is punishable by statutory penalties of up to 20 years imprisonment; 3 years supervised; and a fine of up to $250,000.
The matter, being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John P. McAdams, was investigated by the Rhode Island State Police Gaming Enforcement Unit, the U.S. Department of Education Office of Inspector General and the FBI.
###
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)