GUS M. BILIRAKIS

12TH DISTRICT, FLORIDA

COMMITTEE ON ENERGY AND COMMERCE
ON HEALTH
SUBCOMMITTEE ON

COMMUNICATIONS AND TECHNOLOGY

COMMITTEE ON AFFAIRS
SUBCOMMITTEE ON

ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY, RANKING MEMBER
ON

DISABILITY ASSISTANCE AND MEMORIAL

AFFAIRS

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WASHINGTON OFFICE:

Cl 222? RAYBURN HOUSE OFFICE BUILDING
WASHINGTON, Dc 20515?0912
(202: 225?5?55

DISTRICT OFFICES:

El F132 LITTLE ROAD
NEW PORT RICHEY. FL 345544514
232?2921

CI 600 KLOSTERMAN ROAD
ROOM 3333
TARPON SPRINGS. FL 34539?1299
mm 940?5550

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October 3, 2019

The Honorable Seema Verrna

Administrator

Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services
US. Department of Health and Human Services
200 Independence Ave., SW

Washington, DC 20201

Dear Administrator Verma:

There has been a recent series in the Tampa Bay Times alleging possible wrongdoing by a
facility in my district, the North Tampa Behavioral Health Hospital. The article?
notes that the vast majority of the hospital?s $17 million annual pro?ts from last year are derived
from taxpayer-funded programs, such as Medicare and Medicaid. Further, the article quotes
patients and families who claim that no actual care was provided, despite billing
Medicare and Medicaid for those services. Additionally, stakeholders report that patients are
being required to stay at the facility beyond the length of time allowed under the law. I wanted to
make sure your of?ce is aware of these allegations and ask that you direct your team to
investigate, as appropriate. I know you share my desire to ensure all patients have access to high
quality healthcare and mental health services, and to stop any potential wrongful billing practices
that may divert precious resources from vital programs like Medicare and Medicaid.

Thank you for your attention to this matter. Please keep me informed of any ?ndings your team
may uncover.

Respectfully,

?wa. 

Gus M. Bilirakis
Member of Congress


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