Michael Brier, 62, of Newton, Massachusetts, has been sentenced to over eight years in federal prison for defrauding Medicare, Medicaid, and other health insurers out of millions of dollars. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Rhode Island announced the sentencing today.
Brier, who owned the now-defunct Recovery Connections Centers of America, Inc. (RCCA), was convicted for depriving patients in Rhode Island and Massachusetts who were struggling with substance use disorders of the necessary counseling and treatment sessions. Instead of providing the care as required, Brier billed Medicare, Medicaid, and other healthcare payors for services that were never provided.
According to authorities, Brier and RCCA submitted fraudulent claims for 45-minute counseling sessions, even though patients were often seen for less than 15 minutes, and in some cases, for far less. The fraudulent billing practices led to significant financial losses for Medicare, Medicaid, and other insurers.
As part of the sentencing, U.S. District Court Judge Mary S. McElroy also ordered Brier to pay $3,515,100 in restitution and forfeit approximately $1 million in bank and investment accounts, as well as his interest in a beachfront property in Caracol Beach, Panama, and two luxury vehicles.
RCCA, the company Brier once owned, was also sentenced to one year of probation and ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $3,515,100.
“Michael Brier held out his business as a lifeline to vulnerable patients—men and women fighting to overcome addiction—yet used it as a front for fraud,” said U.S. Attorney Zachary Cunha. “Instead of providing the care these patients required and deserved, Brier directed his employees not to provide the necessary treatment, lining his own pockets at the taxpayers’ expense.”
The case serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of healthcare fraud, particularly when it exploits vulnerable individuals in need of critical care.
