FCA settlements top $2B in 2022, most relate to health care

Settlements and judgments under the False Claims Act in fiscal year 2022, which ended Sept. 30, were more than $2.2 billion, with most of this related to matters involving the health care industry, the U.S. Department of Justice said Tuesday.

The DOJ said in its statement that the government and whistleblowers were party to 351 settlements and judgments, which was the second-highest number in a single year.

Recoveries since 1986, when Congress substantially strengthened the FCA by increasing whistleblower incentives, now total more than $72 billion, the statement said.

Of the more than $2.2 billion, more than $1.7 billion related to matters involving the health care industry, including drug and medical device manufacturers, durable medical equipment, home health and managed care providers, hospitals, pharmacies, hospice organizations and physicians, the DOJ said.

The FCA imposes treble damages and penalties on those who knowingly and falsely claim money from the U.S., or fail to pay it money owed.