A Pennsylvania physician is facing a staggering prison sentence after a federal jury convicted him on multiple counts related to the illegal distribution of opioids and orchestrating a complex healthcare fraud scheme that bilked insurers out of millions.
Dr. Neil K. Anand, 48, of Bensalem, was found guilty of conspiracy to commit health care fraud and wire fraud, unlawful distribution of controlled substances, money laundering, and unlawful monetary transactions, following a high-profile trial that revealed shocking abuses of trust and power.
According to federal prosecutors, Anand defrauded Medicare, Independence Blue Cross, Anthem, and the U.S. Office of Personnel Management by submitting over $2.3 million in fraudulent claims for so-called “Goody Bags”—bundled medications that patients neither needed nor requested.
Patients Forced to Accept “Goody Bags” for Opioid Prescriptions
Evidence showed that Anand required patients to accept these Goody Bags in order to obtain prescriptions for addictive opioids. The medications were dispensed through in-house pharmacies Anand owned, deepening his financial gains from the scheme.
He went even further: unlicensed medical interns, under Anand’s supervision, issued opioid prescriptions using pre-signed blank scripts, bypassing standard medical protocols. Over the course of the operation, Anand prescribed more than 20,000 oxycodone tablets to just nine patients—far beyond what would be considered medically necessary.
“This verdict reflects the Justice Department’s determination to hold corrupt medical professionals accountable,” said Matthew R. Galeotti, head of the DOJ’s Criminal Division. “Dr. Anand used his position to push powerful opioids for profit and abused our healthcare system with complete disregard for patient safety.”
Money Laundering and Attempt to Conceal Profits
After learning he was under investigation, Anand attempted to hide his profits by transferring approximately $1.2 million to a bank account in his father’s name, earmarked for the benefit of his minor daughter.
Anand now faces a maximum sentence of 130 years in federal prison when he is sentenced on August 19. A federal judge will determine the final sentence after considering sentencing guidelines and statutory factors.
This conviction is part of the Health Care Fraud Strike Force Program, a nationwide initiative that has charged more than 5,800 defendants since its launch in 2007. The program targets fraud, abuse, and illegal prescribing practices that harm patients and strain federal healthcare systems.
