A federal jury in Florida has found Brett Blackman, the founder of HealthSplash, guilty of operating a massive fraud scheme. He and his associates faked doctors’ orders and prescriptions, cheating Medicare and other health programs out of over $1 billion.
The Justice Department called this crime one of the worst in Florida’s history. Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche emphasized the severity of the scheme, stating it targeted vulnerable seniors with unnecessary medical equipment. He vowed to hold every fraudster accountable.
Blackman, 42, from Kansas, led a telemarketing operation that focused on hundreds of thousands of Medicare beneficiaries. They convinced these individuals to accept medically unnecessary braces and other items. To facilitate the fraud, they forged prescriptions via purported telemedicine doctors who never actually examined the patients. This manipulation allowed them to bill Medicare for items that were neither requested nor needed.
In September 2017, Blackman took control of an online platform called DMERx, which generated fraudulent orders for medical supplies. This system linked unscrupulous pharmacies and suppliers with telemedicine providers who accepted illegal kickbacks for their signatures. The deception went so far that a trial revealed doctors signed orders without even talking to the patients, sometimes inventing tests that couldn’t realistically be performed without in-person examinations.
The consequences were staggering. Although Blackman and his team billed Medicare for over $1 billion, the program paid around $450 million on these fraudulent claims, draining vital resources from legitimate medical care.
Blackman was convicted of multiple charges, including conspiracy to commit health care fraud and wire fraud. His sentencing is set for August 26, 2026, and he faces significant prison time. His co-defendant received a 15-year sentence in an earlier trial.
In response to the growing issue of health care fraud, the Department of Justice has created a specialized Fraud Division. This unit is focused on rooting out those who exploit taxpayer-funded programs. Since 2007, the Health Care Fraud Strike Force has charged over 6,200 defendants linked to more than $45 billion in fraudulent claims.
Public opinion on health care fraud remains strong, with many Americans expressing outrage over scams that compromise care for the elderly and those in need. Social media discussions often spotlight the need for better oversight and the importance of holding fraudsters accountable.
This case is a significant reminder of how easily trust can be exploited in health care. Ensuring the integrity of these systems is vital for protecting our most vulnerable citizens. As communities and officials come together to combat these scams, the message is clear: health care fraud will not be tolerated.
For more information, you can visit the Department of Justice’s Health Care Fraud Unit.
