Bravo Pharmacy Settles With AG Over Alleged Billing Fraud

JAMAICA PLAIN, MA — A Jamaica Plain pharmacy will pay $800,000 after settling with Attorney General Maura Healey's office over allegedly billing the state's Medicaid program for an expensive vitamin supplement that wasn't provided to patients.

The attorney general's investigation found that from May 2017 to July 2021, Bravo Pharmacy allegedly submitted numerous claims to MassHealth for Hylavite — an uncommonly used and expensive vitamin supplement — despite not providing the vitamin to its patients.

MassHealth's reimbursement rate at the time was around $1,670 per 30-day supply, the attorney general's office said in a news release.

Additionally, the investigation found, Bravo Pharmacy allegedly started an "automatic refill" program despite current MassHealth regulations that prevent pharmacies from refilling a prescription that was not explicitly requested by a MassHealth member or caregiver.

In addition to the $800,000 payment, the settlement stipulates that Bravo and its owner, Dmitry Linkov, must implement a three-year independent monitoring program to ensure future compliance with all laws, rules and regulations applicable to participation in MassHealth.

"This pharmacy's improper billing and automatic refill practices resulted in unnecessary overpayments by MassHealth," Healey said. "This resolution brings money back to our state, puts an end to these unlawful practices, and requires strict compliance with state and federal regulations moving forward."