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3 accused of bilking Medicare

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By ELAINE SILVESTRINI

esilvestrini@tampatrib.com

Published: July 31, 2009

TAMPA - Three family members have been indicted on federal charges alleging they used their businesses to bilk Medicare out of more than $5 million.

Ben Bane, his son and daughter-in-law, Gregory and Tracey Bane, are accused of conspiring to submit false bills to Medicare through Ben Bane's oxygen and medical equipment company, Bane Medical Services, which had Bay area offices, including Plant City and St. Petersburg, and Oxygen Respiratory Therapy Inc. Gregory Bane was vice president of operations for both companies. His wife was billing supervisor for Bane Medical Services.

They are accused of falsifying test results to represent that patients were qualified to receive Medicare reimbursement for oxygen therapy and other oxygen-related services.

In December 2004, the indictment states, Gregory Bane and other conspirators met at Ben Bane's home and fabricated a series of test results. They are charged with conspiracy to defraud the United States, health care fraud and making false or fraudulent claims.

Ben Bane, 62, lives in Plant City. Gregory and Tracey Bane, both 39, live in Valrico.

Reporter Elaine Silvestrini can be reached at (813) 259-7837.

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