The lawsuit, originally brought by former company executive Benjamin Poehling, alleges UnitedHealth obtained inflated risk adjustment payments based on untruthful and inaccurate information about the health status of patients enrolled in its Medicare Advantage plans. UnitedHealth has more than 50 Medicare Advantage and Drug Prescription plans providing healthcare services and prescription drug benefits to millions of Medicare beneficiaries nationwide. The company receives a monthly risk adjustment payment from Medicare for each enrolled beneficiary. The risk adjustment payments are based on the health status of the beneficiary. In a press release, Acting Assistant Attorney General Chad A. Readler of the Justice Department's Civil Division said his agency's "pursuit of this matter illustrates its firm commitment to ensure the integrity of the Medicare Program, including those parts of the program that rely on the services of Medicare Advantage Organizations."