Work of St. Paul whistleblower snares CVS

The U.S. Department of Justice says a tip from a Minnesota whistleblower has led to a $17.5 million settlement by the pharmacy CVS for allegedly overcharging Medicaid.

The Justice Department credits CVS pharmacist Stephani LeFlore of St. Paul with alerting the government to potential fraud by the company.

The government says CVS overcharged Medicaid when filling prescriptions for customers who also had other insurance. In those situations, pharmacies are supposed to bill Medicaid only for a patient's copayment. The alleged fraud occurred in 10 states, including Minnesota.

MPR couldn't reach Stephani LeFlore. Under whistleblower laws, she'll receive around $2.6 million.

The federal government and states will split the rest of the $17.5 million settlement. The Minnesota Attorney General's Office says Minnesota's share will be about $250,000.