A prominent orthopedic surgeon married to a well-known television personality finds himself at the center of a massive legal battle in New York.

According to Daily Mail, Dr. Emmanuel 'Manny' Hostin, husband of The View co-host Sunny Hostin, has been named among nearly 200 defendants in one of New York's largest RICO cases, accused of participating in an extensive insurance fraud scheme involving taxi and ride-share companies.

The lawsuit, filed on December 17, alleges that Dr. Hostin and other medical professionals received kickbacks for performing unnecessary surgeries and fraudulently billing American Transit, an insurance company serving taxi and ride-share drivers.

The allegations specifically target Hostin's practice, Hostin Orthopedics & Sports Medicine, located in midtown Manhattan.

Lawsuit Claims Elaborate Kickback Scheme Through Medical Services

American Transit, the largest insurer of taxis and Ubers in New York City, asserts that the fraud stems from the state's "No-Fault Law," which requires insurers to pay up to $50,000 for medical expenses related to road accidents. For taxi and ride-share vehicles, this coverage extends to $200,000, making them particularly attractive targets for fraudulent claims.

The insurance company alleges that Dr. Hostin received an "investment" interest in the Empire State Ambulatory Surgery Center in exchange for referring patients. These regular payments were allegedly disguised as dividends or cash distributions but were actually illegal kickbacks for referrals.

Court documents cite specific examples from January 2023, where Hostin allegedly performed arthroscopic surgeries on two patients involved in "low-impact" collisions without first attempting more conservative treatment options. These cases exemplify the pattern of potentially unnecessary procedures at the heart of the lawsuit.

Legal Defense Team Vigorously Disputes Allegations

Daniel Thwaites, Dr. Hostin's attorney, has strongly rejected the accusations. Speaking to media outlets, Thwaites characterized the lawsuit as a desperate attempt by a struggling insurance carrier to avoid legitimate payments:

It is meant to intimidate and harass doctors from collecting for care given to American Transit insureds and their passengers. The real story here is about an insurance carrier abusing the legal system to limit and restrict health care benefits to its insureds and their passengers, and write off its proper obligations.

Attorney William Natbony, representing American Transit, maintains that insurance fraud represents a significant problem in New York, necessitating legal action. However, some legal experts view the lawsuit skeptically, suggesting it might be an attempt to reduce financial obligations through legal pressure.

Impact On High-Profile Marriage Draws Public Attention

The case has drawn considerable attention due to Dr. Hostin's marriage to Sunny Hostin, a four-time Emmy Award-winning co-host of ABC's The View and senior legal correspondent for ABC News.

The couple, married since 1998 after meeting at a church in Maryland, reside in a luxurious 10-bedroom estate in Purchase, New York.

Dr. Hostin, 54, maintains affiliations with several prestigious New York hospitals, including Mount Sinai and Lenox Hill. His wife has frequently discussed their marriage on The View, sharing both lighthearted moments and personal challenges, including their struggle with infertility before welcoming their two children.

The couple faced tragedy in January 2021 when both of Dr. Hostin's parents, who were also physicians, died from COVID-19 complications during the holiday season. This personal loss adds another layer of complexity to the current legal challenges facing the family.

Case Resolution And Next Steps

American Transit seeks damages exceeding $450 million in what stands as one of the largest RICO cases ever filed in New York. The lawsuit encompasses allegations of systematic fraud involving numerous medical professionals and facilities across the state.

The legal proceedings are expected to have far-reaching implications for the medical insurance industry in New York, particularly regarding policies covering taxi and ride-share services. The case may also influence future regulations governing medical billing practices and insurance claim procedures.

The extensive nature of the allegations and the number of defendants involved suggest a potentially lengthy legal process ahead. Both sides appear prepared for a protracted battle that could reshape the landscape of medical insurance practices in New York State.

Current Investigation Status In Major Fraud Case

Dr. Emmanuel Hostin, husband of The View co-host Sunny Hostin, faces serious allegations in a massive federal insurance fraud case involving nearly 200 defendants in New York. The lawsuit centers on claims of fraudulent medical billing and kickback schemes targeting taxi and ride-share insurance policies.

As the case moves forward, American Transit seeks more than $450 million in damages while Dr. Hostin's legal team continues to deny all allegations, characterizing the lawsuit as an attempt by the insurance company to avoid legitimate payment obligations. The resolution of this case could significantly impact medical insurance practices and healthcare provision in New York's transportation sector.