Medicare/Medicaid Fraud

Medical Fraud Intro

Health services in New York are extremely expensive and it is not surprising that medicaid fraud is quite common. However what many people do not realise is that it is possible to inadvartently commit medicaid fraud by not informing the relevant authorities of changes in financial status. If you are faced with a medicaid fraud issue you should see an experienced lawyer immediately, before speaking with investigators.

In order to qualify for Medicaid, applicants must have an income that falls below a certain level. They must also declare any assets they may have, as this can have implications for the overall financial assessment. Medicaid fraud is generally committed when individuals give false information about their income levels. They may also deliberately conceal certain assets or even provide false personal information relating to their address, job status etc. However, if an individual’s financial status changes, and they do not inform the authorities prior to their next re-certification they are also deemed to be committing fraud.

It is of course not surprising that the New York City Bureau of Fraud Investigation is highly conscious of this issue. They invest a considerable amount of time and resources to detecting Medicaid fraud and do not hesitate to prosecute. When an issue is brought to their attention, they will investigate it thoroughly before contacting the suspected individual. If they do find cause for suspicion, they will generally only contact the person in question once thay have almost completed their enquiries. Therefore those who receive correspondence in regards to this issue should assume that they have already been investigated for Medicaid fraud, and that they have some serious questions to answer.

It is clearly extremely reckless to enter into contact with investigators in relation to Medicaid fraud without the representation of a capable and experienced lawyer. If you find yourself in this situation do not hesitate to contact us, as we can provide representation and assistance at a very low price.

Fraudulent claims filed against the medical financial assistance programs of Medicare and Medicaid cost this country billions of dollars every year. With budget deficits and health care reform a hot button topic in Congress; citizens are encouraged more than ever to be watchdogs fro people who fraud Medicaid or Medicare. This can lead to false accusations which can ruin reputations and jack up malpractice claim premiums for doctors and other medical professionals. Why? Because patients do not understand the ins and out of Medicare/Medicaid policy. They think if there is a disallowance, you are overcharging and cheating the government, or if a claim is denied for further records, you are "pulling a fast one".
Medicare fraud is a Federal criminal charge. Medicaid fraud is a state level crime charge. To fraud Health Insurance can be either.
However, all are serious accusations. If you, as a medical professional, are accused of fraud by one of your patients or by a third party carriers take it seriously and contact a health care fraud attorney today.
By your contract as a Medicare and or Medicaid provider, there are certain stipulations you must follow to the letter. Any hint of fraudulent or false coding, filing or requests for payment can cost you untold manpower hours in audits at the least and the removal of your providership at the worst, typically for five to twenty years. Hefty fines may also be assessed. A Medicare fraud lawyer can go over the possible penalties and guide you through what to expect in an audit.
Hiring a healthcare fraud attorney from our Law Office in New York ensures you have a lawyer who understands the nuances of Medicare and Medicaid policy. We know how to negotiate with the investigators, how to defend you against false claim accusations, and restore your reputation.
We can advise your staff on how to respond to rumors or new paper reports. We can speak with the hospitals and clinics where you have staff privileges. We will be your advocate.
Should penalties, fines or suspensions be filed, a Medicare fraud attorney will be beside you every step of the way. In the mean time, you continue to provide medical services. Let our lawyers handle the government and your malpractice carrier.