Acting New Jersey Attorney General Andrew J. Bruck and Insurance Fraud Prosecutor Tracy M. Thompson have announced that a Bayonne-based chiropractor from Matawan has been indicted for allegedly submitting hundreds of fraudulent claims to Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield (HBCBS) of New Jersey for health care services he did not perform.
Charles B. Boas, 73, was indicted on 261 counts of second degree health care claims fraud, second degree theft by deception, two counts of third degree failure to file tax returns, and two counts of third degree failure to pay taxesm according to a press release.
The indictment was returned by a grand jury on Dec. 10.
The grand jury indictment alleges that between Dec. 12, 2016 and March 13, 2018, Boas submitted, or caused to be submitted, 261 fraudulent health care claims to HBCBS for payment or reimbursement for health care services purportedly rendered to patients on various dates.
According to the indictment, Boas obtained $75,000 or more from HBCBS by creating the false impression he provided health care services to certain patients, when he allegedly did not provide those services.
The indictment further alleges Boas failed to pay $31,560 in income tax for income earned in 2016 and failed to pay $65,525 in income tax for income earned in 2017. As a result, he is charged with two counts of third degree failure to file a tax return, and two counts of third degree failure to pay taxes.
Second degree crimes carry a sentence of five to 10 years in state prison and a fine of up to $150,000. Third degree charges carry a sentence of three to five years in state prison and a fine of up to $15,000, according to the press release from Bruck’s office.
Thompson said many cases have started with anonymous tips. Individuals who are concerned about insurance cheating and have information about a fraud can report it anonymously by calling the toll free hotline at 1-877-55-FRAUD, or visiting the website at www.NJInsurancefraud.org
State regulations permit a reward to be paid to an eligible individual who provides information that leads to an arrest, prosecution and conviction for insurance fraud, according to the press release.