Prominent hospice denies allegations it received $8.3 million in improper payments

SARASOTA — Federal authorities have released a report alleging Tidewell Hospice received at least $8.3 million in Medicare reimbursement for hospice services that did not comply with Medicare requirements — accusations Tidewell disputes. 

A report from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of the Inspector General says the audit covered 33,024 claims for which Tidewell received Medicare reimbursement totaling $116.7 million for hospice services provided from April 2016 through March 2018. The audit process included reviewing a random sample of 100 claims. Tidewell is one of the largest and recognized hospice organizations on the west coast of Florida.