The firm at the heart of federal allegations of insider trading on government information on changing Medicare rates has agreed to a $4.6 million settlement with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

Deerfield Management Co. failed to put in place procedures and policies to adequately prevent insider trading practices at the hedge fund advisory firm, the SEC said.

The SEC found that third-party consultants and research firms, some specializing in “political intelligence” about upcoming federal action in the health care sector, were employed by the firm. Employees who dealt with firms engaged in political intelligence also weren't watched closely enough by Deerfield to ensure material, nonpublic information wasn't misused.