Dallas Father, Son Convicted in $17 Million Health Care Fraud Targeting American Airlines Employees

A federal jury convicted a Dallas father and son of multiple counts of conspiracy, fraud and identity theft in a nearly $17 million health care scheme that targeted American Airlines employees. Thursday's verdict against Terry Lynn Anderson, 67, and Rocky Freeland Anderson, 37, followed a 10-day trial before U.S. Chief District Judge Barbara M.G. Lynn. They were convicted of defrauding insurer Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas by submitting fraudulent claims on behalf of the Fort Worth-based airline's employees, according to the U.S. Attorney's office. The fraudulent claims were for hearing aids not needed by patients and often not delivered to them, prosecutors said. Family-owned Anderson Optical & Hearing, with locations in Arlington and Bedford, made claims totaling more than $27 million, and Blue Cross paid at least $16.7 million. The father-son duo face up to 10 years in federal prison and a $250,000 fine for conspiring to commit fraud, and for each count of health care fraud. Identity theft carries a mandatory two years in federal prison and a fine of up to $250,000.  Continue reading...