fraud

Health experts are warning older adults about an uptick in misleading marketing tactics that might lead some to sign up for Medicare Advantage plans that don’t cover their doctors or prescriptions and drive up their out-of-pocket costs.

The federal government alleges Modernizing Medicine of Boca Raton violated statutes through three marketing programs that increased its business and that of a laboratory company it was working with.

Oklahoma-based Carter Healthcare is accused of overbilling Medicare and billing for therapy that patients didn’t need between 2014 and 2016.

Officials say 35-year-old Daniel Joseph Tisone received a total of 10 loans and used the money to buy two homes, a boat and a diamond ring. He faces up to 60 years in prison.

The research project is funded through a four-year, $743,000 grant from the Florida Department of Health.

Federal investigators allege the pair assisted individuals in acquiring fake diplomas and transcripts from nursing schools in Broward and Palm Beach counties.

The law stems from people using authentic-looking websites to run scams that purportedly offer access to COVID-19 vaccines or personal protective equipment.

The governor was also given a $196.3 million tax package that includes a formula change for distributing cigarette tax revenues to boost funding for Tampa's Moffitt Cancer Center.

In just a couple of clicks, anyone could have access to a fake COVID-19 vaccine card. However, possessing them is a crime and safety concern.

Attorney General Ashley Moody's warnings come as the Legislature considers a bill that would make vaccine scams a third-degree felony.