Medicare fraud is a widespread problem in the United States, and it occurs when a person or entity claims reimbursement for services to which they aren’t entitled. Medicare fraud costs the government billions of dollars every year, which is why the government encourages people to report fraud whenever it is discovered. In order to ensure that people report fraudulent behavior, the government offers reporters, i.e., “whistleblowers,” financial compensation for reports of Medicare fraud that result in the recovery of funds. If you have knowledge of Medicare fraud but aren’t sure how to proceed, please review the information below. For additional guidance, please contact our Medicare fraud whistleblower attorney.
Common Medicare Fraud Whistleblower Questions
What types of fraud should I report?
You should report any type of Medicare fraud that you encounter—and there are several types. Some common types of Medicare fraud include:
- Submitting a claim for healthcare services that were never actually rendered,
- Submitting a claim with a billing code for a more expensive procedure than what was actually performed,
- Paying kickbacks to induce the referral of patients,
- Billing for procedures or treatments that aren’t medically necessary, and
- Using misleading statements to market medical devices or drugs that aren’t approved by the FDA.
How do I report Medicare fraud?
Claims of Medicare fraud are reported pursuant to the False Claims Act (“FCA”), which allows a person with knowledge of fraud to file a lawsuit on the government’s behalf. However, you should contact a Medicare fraud whistleblower attorney for guidance before filing your report.
Will I be compensated if I report Medicare fraud?
When you report Medicare fraud to the government, you may be entitled to between 15 and 25% of whatever money the government is able to recover. And if the government doesn’t intervene in your case, you may be entitled to up to 30% of the amount recovered. Depending on the amount recovered, this can be a significant figure.
Will I have legal protection if I report Medicare fraud?
The FCA expressly prohibits retaliation against whistleblowers. Also, most states have laws that provide remedies for wrongful termination or discrimination. However, to ensure that you are protected, you should contact a Medicare fraud whistleblower attorney for assistance with reporting.
When should I report Medicare fraud?
If you are aware of a specific instance of Medicare fraud, you should contact a Medicare fraud whistleblower attorney as soon as possible, or you may miss your chance to report it and receive compensation.
Do I need a Medicare fraud whistleblower attorney?
In order to receive a monetary reward from the government for reporting Medicare fraud, you need to make sure that you do everything correctly. At Jeff Newman Law, we’ll help you accumulate the documentation you need to file your claim and guide you through the process in a manner that ensures you remain legally protected. Regardless of how you came to learn of fraudulent Medicare activity, you need an experienced attorney on your side. Please contact us today for a consultation.
