Ohio to received $2.29M in Medicaid fraud settlement

COLUMBUS — Attorney General Richard Cordray today announced Ohio has joined 22 other states and the federal government in a $24 million settlement with the management company for a chain of pediatric dental clinics.

The settlement resolves allegations against FORBA Holdings LLC that the company submitted claims for reimbursement to Medicaid for medically unnecessary dental procedures. Ohio's share of the settlement will be $2.29 million.

"These dental clinics were performing unnecessary and, in some cases, painful procedures on children for the sole purpose of padding their bottom line," Cordray said in a press release.

The state alleged the dental centers performed a wide range of medically unnecessary procedures including extractions, pulpotomies (baby root canals), providing fillings, placing crowns, administering anesthesia and inappropriately using behavior management techniques to restrain child patients.

FORBA provided business management services for the dental clinics which operated in 23 states. In Ohio, the clinics operated under the name Small Smiles with locations in Akron, Cincinnati, Columbus, Dayton, Roselawn, Toledo and Youngstown.

Under the terms of the settlement, the $24 million will be paid to the federal government and the participating states over a period of five years.

Anyone who suspects Medicaid fraud can contact Cordray's office at (800) 282-0515 or www.OhioAttorneyGeneral.gov.