Court Enters $3.4M Default Judgment Against Nebraska Pharmacist for False Claims Act Violations

A federal court has entered a default judgment of more than $3.4 million against a Nebraska pharmacist and her pharmacy for submitting fraudulent bills to Medicare and Medicaid. The judgment, issued by the U.S. District Court for the District of Nebraska on May 29, 2026, came after Joan Kicken and AME P.C., doing business as Campbell Drug in Oshkosh, Nebraska, failed to defend against the government’s allegations.

According to the government’s complaint, Kicken engaged in multiple forms of fraudulent billing. She sought reimbursement from Medicaid for prescription drugs without valid prescriptions, billed for medications that were never actually dispensed to patients, and submitted claims for costly name-brand drugs when she had in fact dispensed cheaper generic versions at higher reimbursement rates. The complaint further alleged that Kicken knew these practices were improper but continued them for financial gain.

This case reflects the government’s aggressive pursuit of healthcare fraud in all its forms, including schemes that target both Medicare and Medicaid. The judgment was the result of investigative support from the HHS Office of Inspector General and the Nebraska Medicaid Fraud and Patient Abuse Unit. Individuals with knowledge of similar fraudulent billing practices are encouraged to consult experienced whistleblower attorneys to explore potential False Claims Act remedies.