unSplash
Dec. 9, 2021 By Christian Murray
A Rego Park pharmacist was indicted in Brooklyn federal court Tuesday for allegedly taking part in a scheme where he processed millions of dollars in bogus Medicaid claims and received $650,000 in kickbacks in return, authorities said.
Bruce Snipas, 68, the owner and pharmacist-in-charge of Rego Park’s B&E Pharmaceuticals Inc., allegedly conspired with a Florida-based health care company to cash in on the scam.
The pharmacist allegedly processed $30 million in false prescription claims through a corporation known as Health Care Company, according to the indictment. Snipas, who lives in West Islip on Long Island, received kickbacks from company.
The scam allegedly took place between April 2015 and February 2018, according to federal prosecutors. B&E has a registered address of 63-52 Woodhaven Blvd, according to state records.
“As alleged, the defendant, a pharmacist and health care professional, engaged in a fraudulent scheme to take advantage of the Medicaid program and profit by accepting hundreds of thousands of dollars in kickbacks,” said U.S. Attorney Breon Peace in a statement. “This Office is committed to protecting the integrity of government programs, including health insurance programs like Medicaid that benefit the district’s most vulnerable residents.”
Snipas has been charge with conspiracy to make false statements in health care matters; making false statements in health care matters; and conspiracy to violate the Anti-Kickback Statute.
He was arrested and arraigned Tuesday morning. He was released on a $150,000 bond.
