Former Cresco pharmacist sentenced for insurance scam

A former Medicap pharmacist in Cresco, who bilked his insurance company out of more than $130,000 by submitting false prescription claims, was sentenced this week to four years in federal prison.

Patrick Slifka, 51, of Decorah, pleaded guilty last September to one count of wire fraud and one count of aggravated identity theft. He also was ordered to pay a $25,000 fine and $135,594 in restitution to Wellmark Blue Cross/Blue Shield.

Slifka, who had his pharmacist license suspended in December 2009, submitted 1,411 fraudulent claims from 2002 to 2008 to his personal health care provider, Wellmark, for medications not prescribed by a licensed doctor and in some cases, no medications were dispensed, Assistant U.S. Attorney Pete Deegan said. He only pocketed the cash in those claims.

Deegan said Slifka used unique Drug Enforcement Administration numbers assigned to licensed physicians to support his claims. There was only one count of aggravated identity theft, but Slifka actually used two other doctors' numbers that the judge could consider during sentencing.

Slifka had a special insurance policy where he would receive reimbursement checks from Wellmark for prescription drugs, Deegan said. He would then electronically submit the claims for payment.

“He was doing it to get the money and the medications without a prescription for himself and family members,” Deegan said. “There was no information in the investigation that he had a drug problem.”

Deegan said the 13 different medications Slifka received from the illegal prescriptions only went to his family members, not customers at Medicap.

According to sentencing information, the medications included Lamisil, hydrocodone, Celebrex, Skelaxin, Dovonex and Tramadol HCI. Most of the medications are prescribed for pain, scaly skin, arthritis and fungal infections.

Slifka told the court he made a mistake and “never set out to break the law.” He apologized to his family, friends and colleagues.

Chief Judge Linda Reade said she had concerns about Slifka accepting responsibility for this crime. He wasn't truthful about his scheme with the Iowa Board of Pharmacy, but Reade granted a reduced sentence as allowed in the sentencing guidelines. She also took into consideration his lack of criminal history.

Deegan said Slifka paid $3,200 in restitution after the sentencing.

Slifka will remain on bond until he surrenders himself to the Bureau of Prisons on a date to be set later by the court.