Filing alleges home health agency Medicare fraud

Associated Press - May 19, 2009 3:55 PM ET NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) - Federal prosecutors have accused the owner of a Nashville home health care company and a St. Louis attorney of defrauding Medicare out of more than $6 million. The civil complaint announced Tuesday alleges that Careall Inc. owner James W. Carell and lawyer Robert Vining devised a scheme to hide the true ownership of 3 home health care agencies. Prosecutors say the scheme evaded Medicare rules that limited a home health agency owner's compensation but covered fees to a management firm as long as the companies weren't related. Carell didn't immediately respond to a message seeking comment Tuesday. There was no answer at a phone number listed for Vining. The government is trying to recover the $6 million plus damages of 3 times that amount and penalties. Copyright 2009 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.