Puerto Rico's elite linked to $10M health care fraud case
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico -- U.S. authorities say a group of people in Puerto Rico who made more than $100,000 a year received Medicaid coverage as part of a $10 million health care fraud scheme.
U.S. Attorney Rosa Emilia Rodriguez says several artists, lawyers, government employees and a well-known model participated in the scheme. She says only those who make $24,000 or less qualify for Medicaid.
FBI agents on Thursday arrested eight people as part of the continuing fraud investigation, including three employees with Puerto Rico's Health Department. Five others are accused of recruiting Medicaid participants in exchange for bribes ranging from $10 to $30 a person.
Puerto Rico officials say they have sent roughly 6,000 letters to participants whose eligibility is questionable.