Pharmaceutical Provider Pays $98M Settlement

Omnicare, Inc. has paid $98 million to settle Medicaid fraud charges.

The United States government alleges the Covington-based pharmaceutical provider was involved in various kickback schemes.

The suit claims Omnicare took payments from Johnson & Johnson to increase sales of the anti-psychotic medication, Risperdal.

The payments allegedly induced Omnicare pharmacies to switch patients to Risperdal from other anti-psychotic medications.

A Chicago pharmacist, Bernard Lisitza, is credited with being the whistleblower.

It is the second such settlement against Omnicare initiated by Lisitza.

In the agreement, Omnicare has denied liability, wrongdoing, or improper conduct.