A Louisiana doctor filed a whistleblower lawsuit against Pfizer claiming the pharmaceutical company was overcharging Medicaid for a heartburn medication called Protonix. According to FiercePharma, Pfizer agreed to settle the Medicaid fraud claim and will pay $784 million.

This significant sum, which was improperly paid to Pfizer, will be returned to taxpayers thanks to the doctor who stepped forward and filed a qui tam lawsuit.

Qui tam lawsuits encourage whistleblowers to file litigation if they suspect fraud against the government. Under the False Claims Act, which makes qui tam lawsuits possible, whistleblowers are rewarded for speaking out. They get to keep part of the money the government is able to recover through settlements or court verdicts. The doctor who filed the lawsuit in this case will collect $59 million.

Whistleblower Reaps Rewards for Bringing Fraud to Light

Pfizer in 2009 acquired a company called Wyeth, which was the actual maker of the Protonix heartburn medication. The acquisition effectively made Pfizer responsible for paying the settlement. Wyeth reportedly gave rebates and discounts to private payers but allegedly failed to provide the same price discounts to Medicaid programs as required by law. Wyeth allegedly overcharged the government for its heartburn medication between 2001 and 2006.

Medicaid, a government program that provides health insurance coverage for low income individuals, is perpetually under financial strain. The program cannot afford to be overcharged for medications, or to pay higher prices for drugs than private insurers. Wyeth wasted taxpayer money by allegedly failing to offer the required discounts, forcing the government to overpay. Fortunately, the actions of the Louisiana doctor have allowed for recovery of some of the misspent money. This means more Medicaid funds are put back into the coffers to provide help to those who need it.

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