Gregory Simone Wellstar CEO fired following Medicaid scandal

Board chairman Robert Randall Bentley would not explain why Simone was terminated, effective immediately. He hinted that Simone's firing was a "personal matter", but it coincides conveniently with a very uncomfortable week in the news for WellStar. 

The allegations related to patients served at five Wellstar hospitals in the Atlanta area: Cobb, Douglas, Kennestone, Windy Hill and Pauldin. A flaw in claims processing software was to blame for the Medicaid overpayments and the state found no intent to defraud, according to a company statement, AJC reports.

In July, the Board of Trustees added a new chairman, vice chairman and two board members, the Atlanta Business Journal reports. Perhaps they were cleaning house. Or, perhaps they made a symbolic gesture of good faith to their customers and plan to be more careful improperly billing Medicaid.