Chiropractor Brothers Involved In Multi-Million Dollar Healthcare Scheme Unveiled

In a shocking revelation from Wichita, chiropractic brothers Bradley and Todd Eck have confessed to orchestrating a $3.7 million healthcare fraud scheme targeting federal health programs.

At a Glance

The Eck brothers admitted to defrauding Medicare and Tricare of $3.7 million through fraudulent schemes.
From 2017 to 2019, they submitted fake claims and used unauthorized provider information.
They have struck a plea deal and must return $3.4 million, with a potential five-year sentence.
Numerous federal agencies are involved in investigating the fraud case.

The Fraud Scheme

Former chiropractors Bradley (54) and Todd Eck (58) of Wichita have come under legal scrutiny following their admission of involvement in a major healthcare fraud scheme. They allegedly defrauded the federal health programs Medicare and Tricare over $3.7 million by manipulating the system between 2017 and 2019. By adopting deceitful practices, the brothers orchestrated fake businesses and submitted illegitimate claims, exploiting Medicare and Tricare beneficiaries.

The fraudulent activities involved creating multiple business entities and submitting false documentation about ownership. By using a physician’s provider identity without consent, the brothers further cemented their fraud by forging signatures for electronic submissions. As this misconduct came to light, their chiropractic licenses were swiftly suspended, marking an end to their deceit-laden practices that had persisted for years.

Legal Proceedings and Charges

The charges against the brothers are extensive, including conspiracy to commit healthcare fraud, making false statements related to healthcare matters, committing healthcare fraud, aggravated identity theft, and money laundering. A federal grand jury in Wichita indicted them on August 19. Multiple federal agencies, such as the U.S. Departments of Defense, Health and Human Services, and Treasury, are handling the ongoing investigations, which highlight the gravity and complexity of the case.

While the brothers have reached a plea agreement that requires them to return $3.4 million, the legal consequences do not end there. They await sentencing in January 2025, which could see them face up to five years in prison. Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron Smith leads the prosecution, ensuring that the legal framework is adhered to throughout this significant healthcare fraud case.

Implications and Conclusion

This case serves as a stern reminder of the risks and legal implications involved in fraudulent health claims. The misuse of federal healthcare funds compromises the integrity of these essential programs, intended to support genuine medical needs rather than bolster deceitful financial gains. Upholding the law is vital to safeguarding public trust and ensuring that such malpractices do not go unpunished.

With the trial set to proceed, individuals and institutions alike must remain vigilant against healthcare fraud. The justice system’s swift response serves as a deterrent, emphasizing the importance of lawful conduct and fiscal responsibility.