Payer Roundup—Manager of Maine physical therapy practice sentenced in $175K fraud case

Maine man found guilty of healthcare fraud, embezzlement

Michael Morrison, 42, will spend four months in federal prison for fraud and embezzlement from a healthcare benefits program.

Formerly the manager of Trade Winds Health and Coastal Physical Therapy in Rockland, Maine, Morrison billed $175,000 in false claims for reimbursement to Medicare, MaineCare, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield and a Veterans Administration healthcare program. The U.S. Attorney’s Office states that Morrison filed claims for exaggerated lengths of time of therapists with patients and also for canceled appointments.

Morrison also pleaded guilty to embezzling $31,000 from the club by using a business credit card for personal purchases on Amazon. (Portland Press Herald)

AllyAlign raises $10M for assisted living

AllyAlign Health has raised another $10 million in capital, led by McKesson Ventures. The latest investment puts the healthcare management firm’s total at $41 million to help with managing health plans in 17 states—10,000 members.

Founded by CEO Will Saunders, the company launched its first health plan in 2016. The latest funding will support the company’s growth in assisted living facilities, memory care facilities and independent living facilities.

“Partnering with McKesson Ventures will speed up investment in our technology platform and infrastructure and will help us expand partnerships with valued long-term care providers in multiple markets,” Saunders said in a statement. (Announcement)

Medicare Rights names new president, Frederic Riccardi

The Medicare Rights Center announced the appointment of Frederic Riccardi—previously VP of client services—to the role of president, effective May 1.

Joe Baker is stepping down after a decade as the president of the center. He will continue to serve the organization as president emeritus to help with the leadership transition.

“I am thrilled to serve as the president of the Medicare Rights Center and help older adults and people with disabilities live with health, dignity, and financial security through our innovative programming and successful advocacy to improve Medicare,” Riccardi said in a statement. (Announcement)