United States Obtains $3.4M in a False Claims Act Judgment Against Nebraska Pharmacist

On May 29, 2026, the United States District Court for the District of Nebraska entered a default judgment for the United States totaling $3,423,389.84 against Joan Kicken and AME P.C. d/b/a Campbell Drug, for violations of the False Claims Act. The court entered this judgment after Kicken and AME failed to defend against the United States' allegations.

In its complaint, filed on October 31, 2025, the United States alleged that Kicken owned and operated AMC P.C. d/b/a Campbell Drug in Oshkosh, Nebraska, and sought to unjustly enrich herself by submitting fraudulent billing to Medicare and Medicaid. The complaint alleged that Kicken sought reimbursement from Medicaid for prescription drugs for which valid prescriptions were never issued, billed Medicaid for prescription drugs that were never dispensed, and billed Medicare and Medicaid for name-brand medications (with higher reimbursement rates) when Kicken dispensed generic versions of the same medications. It was further alleged that Kicken knew such actions and billing methods were improper, but she continued to do so for monetary benefit.

"Medicaid and Medicare exist to ensure that every American has access to the care they need. Fraud against these programs is an attack on that promise," said the United States Attorney Lesley A. Woods. "This case demonstrates that we will pursue healthcare fraud aggressively and without hesitation because protecting the integrity of our public health system is protecting the public itself."

"Those who defraud Medicaid and Medicare will be held accountable," said Special Agent in Charge Linda T. Hanley, Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (HHS/OIG). "HHS OIG will not hesitate to investigate, expose, and pursue individuals who knowingly steal from federal healthcare programs. When providers refuse to follow the law, we will take decisive action-alongside our federal and state partners-to protect these programs and the people they serve."

Nebraska Attorney General Mike Hilgers said, "Medicaid funds are provided by hardworking taxpayers. Stolen Medicaid funds harm Nebraska's most vulnerable citizens. Thanks to the partnership of the Medicaid Fraud Unit, USAO, and OIG, the stolen funds were recovered and will be returned to those who truly need them."

On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division. The core mission of the Fraud Division is to zealously investigate and prosecute those who steal or fraudulently misuse taxpayer dollars. Department of Justice efforts to combat fraud support President Trump's Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs.

Tips and complaints from all sources about potential fraud, waste, abuse and mismanagement can be reported to HHS at 800 HHS TIPS (800-447-8477).

HHS-OIG and the State of Nebraska's Medicaid Fraud and Patient Abuse Unit provided investigative support.