proposed HCA settlement


Sen. Chuck Grassley, incoming chairman of the Committee on Finance, in October wrote to government officials questioning whether the government's proposed fraud settlement with the HCA health care company was too lenient. Today, HCA announced a proposed settlement with the Justice Department. The Justice Department hasn't given final approval to the settlement. Grassley made the following comment on the case.

"The most important question is unanswered. That's whether the taxpayers will get their money back from any fraud perpetrated by HCA. I haven't seen the statistical evidence to show this settlement will fairly compensate the taxpayers for their losses. Until I see the math, I'll remain skeptical. I look forward to learning more about the government's case. This settlement can't be a Christmas gift to HCA and a lump of coal for the taxpayers."