Philadelphia, Pa.
A Pennsylvania physician was sentenced Tuesday to 14 years in federal prison for running a sweeping scheme that combined health care fraud, illegal distribution of opioids, and money laundering, officials stated.
Neil K. Anand, M.D., 48, of Bensalem, was ordered to serve 168 months behind bars and pay more than $4 million in restitution and forfeiture, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.
Fraudulent “Goody Bags”
Prosecutors said Anand orchestrated a conspiracy to bill Medicare, the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM), Independence Blue Cross, and Anthem for “Goody Bags” — packets of medically unnecessary prescription drugs dispensed through in-house pharmacies he controlled. The insurers paid out more than $2.4 million in reimbursements.
To ensure patients accepted the unwanted drugs, Anand also conspired to unlawfully distribute oxycodone, prosecutors said. Court records show that unlicensed interns wrote prescriptions on blank prescription forms pre-signed by Anand. He ultimately prescribed 20,850 oxycodone tablets for just nine patients.
Covering His Tracks
After learning he was under investigation, Anand attempted to conceal $1.2 million in illegal proceeds by transferring funds to an account under a relative’s name for the benefit of a minor, according to evidence presented at trial.
Conviction and Charges
In April 2025, a federal jury convicted Anand of conspiracy to commit health care fraud and wire fraud, three counts of health care fraud, one count of money laundering, four counts of unlawful monetary transactions, and conspiracy to distribute controlled substances.
Investigators
The investigation was led by the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General, the U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General, and the Office of Personnel Management Office of Inspector General.