Medicaid fraud

Examples of Medicaid fraud:

• Medical billing fraud — billing someone for medical services that weren't provided, billing twice for the same medical services, upcoding and overcharging.

• Unbundling — charging separately for multiple medical tests or procedures, or billing for separate parts of a single, multi-step medical procedure.

• Providing unnecessary medical services — Providing unnecessary medical tests, procedures and surgical operations.

Medicaid fraud accusations are serious

The consequences of being found liable of Medicaid fraud can be serious. You can be sued or even face criminal charges and be convicted. As soon as you become aware of the allegations against you, it's important that you take them seriously and promptly seek legal help.

Here are some examples of the harsh legal consequences:

• Under the federal False Claims Act (18 U.S.C. § 287), healthcare professionals convicted of Medicaid fraud can face up to five years in prison and a fine of $250,000. Corporations found guilty can be fined $500,000.

• Under the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. § 132Oa-7b(a)), the penalties for Medicaid fraud pertaining to a Federal Health Care Program can face prison time for up to five years, a fine of up to $25,000, or both.