by Fort Lauderdale, FL – Four South Florida men have been charged in an alleged scheme to defraud Medicare out of $110 million by billing for over-the-counter COVID-19 test kits that authorities say patients never requested or received.
Alleged Pandemic Billing Scheme
During the pandemic, Medicare allowed pharmacies and companies to register as “mass immunizers” to provide free coronavirus tests to patients. Prosecutors say several South Florida and Texas-based businesses exploited this system between April and December 2022, submitting fraudulent claims and pocketing tens of millions in taxpayer funds.
According to an indictment filed by prosecutor Christopher Clark, the defendants billed Medicare for about $110 million worth of tests, with approximately $87 million paid out.
The Defendants
Those charged include:
- Jason Lavoie, owner of EZ RX in Weston, Independent Pharmacy Solutions in Pompano Beach, and Channelview Pharmacy in Texas.
- Victor Ramirez, owner of Clutch Collection Rentals in Plantation.
- Ricardo Diaz, registered agent of REMR Consulting Group in Boca Raton and co-owner of RC Group Holdings in Davie.
- Robert Hopta, president of Golden Hills Pharmacy in Sunrise, charged separately as part of a cooperation deal.
All four men pleaded not guilty. Lavoie, Ramirez, and Diaz were released on bond, while Hopta was released last week after posting bail.
Kickbacks and Patient Lists
The indictment alleges the group paid kickbacks to marketing companies for Medicare patient lists. They then launched an online campaign urging beneficiaries to “Claim your FREE Covid Test Kits Now!” Users entered names and birth dates, which the defendants allegedly used to retrieve Medicare numbers and bill $12 per kit.
While Medicare patients paid nothing, authorities say the defendants diverted federal payments through business bank accounts for personal gain.
Defense Claims Innocence
Defense attorneys for the men strongly dispute the charges:
- Lavoie’s attorney, Mark Eiglarsh, called the arrest a “profound miscarriage of justice”, claiming his client took measures to ensure compliance with the law.
- Diaz’s legal team said he “has nothing to hide” and voluntarily surrendered to federal authorities.
- Ramirez’s temporary lawyer declined to comment.
What’s Next
All four defendants face charges of conspiracy to commit healthcare and wire fraud, healthcare fraud, and money laundering, with Hopta only facing the conspiracy count. If convicted, they could face lengthy prison terms and significant fines.
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