Nevada Attorney General Aaron D. Ford has announced that Nevada will receive approximately $442,381.44 from a multistate settlement with Gilead Sciences, Inc. The settlement is part of a larger $202 million agreement involving 48 other attorneys general. The case centers on allegations that Gilead ran an illegal kickback scheme to promote its HIV medications by offering incentives such as awards, meals, and travel expenses to healthcare providers.
The U.S. Department of Justice coordinated the settlement, which was approved by the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York. Of the total amount, $49 million is designated for Medicaid programs across the country.
“Gilead’s illegal kickback scheme undermined the integrity of medical decision-making and cost taxpayers millions of dollars,” said AG Ford. He emphasized that the funds Nevada receives will support its Medicaid program and ensure resources are allocated to provide quality healthcare.
From January 2011 to November 2017, Gilead allegedly violated federal anti-kickback laws by providing gifts to healthcare providers who attended promotional speaker programs for its HIV drugs including Stribild, Genvoya, Complera, Odefsey, Descovy, and Biktarvy. High-volume prescribers were reportedly paid significant sums to act as “HIV Speakers.” Travel expenses were also covered for speakers attending events in locations like Hawaii and Miami.
Despite having compliance mechanisms in place, Gilead failed to prevent these violations according to reports.
Attorney General Ford was joined by his counterparts from various states including California, Florida, New York among others in securing this settlement with Gilead.
The Medicaid Fraud Control Unit (MFCU) investigates financial fraud related to healthcare services provided to Medicaid patients and instances of elder abuse or neglect. The Nevada MFCU is primarily funded by a grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services with additional funding from the State of Nevada.
