Some underinsured Washington women will get breast cancer screenings paid for by funds recovered in a settlement involving Breast Cancer Prevention Fund.
This comes in an announcement from Washington State Attorney General Bob Ferguson, who joined the state secretary of health, John Wiseman, in an investigation into the charity back in 2011.
The AG’s office said the investigation was opened after nine complaints were brought forward stating the charity was misleading its donors, causing them to believe the vast majority of its donations would provide mammograms for uninsured and underinsured women.
The AG’s office said 80 percent of the $22 million raised went to a telemarketing firm owned by the president of BCPF’s board and nearly half of that money was pocketed by him.
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During the investigation, BCPF declared bankruptcy, the AG’s office said.
In a $1.6 million distribution settlement to three states, it was announced that Washington would get $500,000 approved by the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Western District of Washington in Seattle.
“This sham charity took advantage of Washingtonians who thought they were providing potentially lifesaving screenings for women in need. This money will help fulfill that broken promise,” Ferguson said.
The AG’s office said the funds recovered will be used by the Department of Health to reimburse providers statewide for the breast cancer screenings and diagnostic services.
Cox Media Group
