JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Multiple reviews have found no evidence of fraud, criminal wrongdoing or misuse of taxpayer dollars by Telescope Health, ending months of scrutiny over the Jacksonville company that operates the city’s HealthLink JAX program for uninsured residents.
The findings follow allegations made by Councilman Rory Diamond, who publicly questioned whether the program was involved in Medicare fraud and wasting taxpayer money. Reviews by the city administration, the City Council auditor and independent evaluators found those allegations were not substantiated.
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“There’s no evidence of misconduct,” Telescope Health CEO Matthew Thompson said, adding that the reviews consistently reached the same conclusion. Thompson said HealthLink JAX has generated an estimated $16 million in financial impact for the Jacksonville community.
HealthLink JAX serves more than 100,000 uninsured Jacksonville residents by providing free virtual visits with board-certified physicians. The program also connects patients with primary care providers, specialists, prescription assistance and community paramedics who can conduct in-home health screenings when needed.
Thompson said the months-long investigation required the company to repeatedly defend its reputation but also reinforced the program’s commitment to transparency. He noted that HealthLink JAX was created with City Council support and funded through the city’s budget.
While auditors found no evidence of fraud or illegal activity, the Duval DOGE Committee questioned whether the city is receiving enough measurable value from its nearly $2 million annual contract. Auditors said some projected savings could not be independently verified, and that one cost-saving component of the program was used infrequently.
Thompson disputed those conclusions and encouraged uninsured residents who need medical care to take advantage of the service by calling 904-925-CARE.
Councilman Matt Carlucci said the investigation confirmed there was no fraud, misuse of public funds or illegal conduct and cautioned against allowing unsupported allegations to drive expensive investigations.
Diamond, in a statement, pointed to auditors’ conclusion that the program provides “no tangible financial benefit to taxpayers” but did not dispute the findings that uncovered no fraud or criminal wrongdoing that he alleged.
Councilman Ron Salem did not respond to multiple requests for comment.
Incoming City Council President Nick Howland has since merged the Duval DOGE Committee into a new audit and oversight committee and says the new city council will move away from so many investigations and focus on oversight.