If you discover an incidence of Medicare fraud in California and wish to report it to the proper authorities, you can report the incident directly to the Medicare program by calling 1-800-MEDICARE, submitting a report online, or submitting a report through the mail. You can also contact the Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) or file a complaint with the California Department of Justice’s Division of Medi-Cal Fraud & Elder Abuse. You may also want to consider contacting the FBI.
Sacramento Medicare Fraud Lawyer
Sacramento Medicare Fraud Attorney
It’s not uncommon for healthcare providers throughout California to be accused of some degree of healthcare fraud, including Medicare fraud. Sometimes, the allegations of healthcare fraud alone can be enough to cause permanent damage to healthcare providers’ reputations and businesses. If you find yourself facing charges of Medicare fraud, you should seriously consider reaching out to a Sacramento Medicare fraud lawyer for help in building a defense.
The legal team at Tully & Weiss understands how complex and overwhelming Sacramento Medicare fraud cases can get. It is essential to hire a Medicare fraud lawyer who can help you build a strong defense and protect your business, reputation, and more from suffering. A conviction for Medicare fraud will result in a criminal record that will permanently affect your professional standing and your medical license. Hire a Medicare fraud attorney as soon as possible.
Why Should You Hire a Medicare Fraud Lawyer?
When you find yourself facing potential Medicare fraud penalties, you will want someone by your side who understands all that is at stake and is proficient at navigating the legal path ahead of you and who can provide you with a way to protect yourself. The legal team at Tully & Weiss has over 25 years of experience fighting for people just like you. Certified Criminal Law Specialist Joseph Tully leads a talented team of legal professionals dedicated to helping you craft a strong defense unique to your case.
According to statistical information collected by the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS), approximately 6.6 million Californians are enrolled in Medicare as of 2022. Five million of those people are Medicare-only beneficiaries, and 90% of the total enrollees are aged 65 or older.
The prosecution and enforcement of alleged Medicare fraud is increasing, and defending yourself may not be easy. Furthermore, Sacramento has local investigation teams, including the Division of Medi-Cal Fraud & Elder Abuse and the California Health & Wellness Compliance Department.
An experienced and effective Medicare fraud attorney in Sacramento is well-versed in fraud laws and knows what it takes to lessen the penalties associated with a conviction or to potentially have the entire case dismissed. Some of the defense strategies successfully utilized are a lack of knowledge or a lack of intent. If the case cannot be proven beyond a reasonable doubt, the prosecution will not be successful in their case against you.
We are available 24/7 and can quickly meet you in jail or at your location. Start your defense on the right track from the very first step.
Examples of Medicare Fraud
Medicare fraud occurs when a healthcare professional, such as a doctor, nurse, or pharmacist, intentionally misrepresents facts or deceives patients to receive unauthorized or illegal benefits from the Medicare program. Medicare fraud is estimated to cost American taxpayers approximately $60 billion every year, so the courts take these crimes very seriously. Here are some of the different types of Medicare fraud you could end up facing charges for if accused:
- False Billing: One of the most common forms of Medicare fraud is fraudulent billing, which occurs when a healthcare professional submits a claim for medical supplies, services, or equipment that were never provided to the patient in question. Filing a false claim for unnecessary medical services may be considered fraud.
- Upcoding: Upcoding occurs when a healthcare professional bills a patient for a more expensive service than the one that was actually performed. For example, if the patient received a simple surgery, the healthcare professional may charge that patient for a much more expensive and invasive surgery, and keep the difference.
- Bribes: Any time a healthcare professional accepts a payment or a gift in exchange for favoritism towards certain patients or to generate business related to Medicare services, that is considered a bribery or a kickback. Accepting bribes may be considered fraud depending on the details of the situation.
FAQs
How Long Does a Medicare Fraud Investigation Take?
There isn’t an average time frame regarding how long a Medicare fraud investigation might take. Every Medicare fraud case is different, with each case having its own unique circumstances that will define the case, the investigation, and the final outcome. These contributing factors may include the complexity of the case, whether or not the case involves a whistleblower, and how willing the accused party is to cooperate. It could take anywhere from several months to several years.
Who Investigates Medicare Fraud in Sacramento, CA?
In Sacramento, CA, Medicare fraud cases are primarily investigated by the California Department of Justice’s Division of Medi-Cal Fraud & Elder Abuse, or DMFEA. The DMFEA often investigates these cases in collaboration with certain federal agencies, such as the FBI or the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). One of the DMFEA’s primary functions is to protect California’s Medicare program, Medi-Cal, and to prosecute anyone who defrauds the program.
Should I Hire a Defense Lawyer for My Case?
Yes, you should hire a defense lawyer for your case if you are charged with Medicare fraud. The last thing you want is to find yourself going up against a seasoned prosecutor on your own who may be seeking the maximum sentence for you. A good defense lawyer can help you build a strategy and ensure you aren’t taken advantage of.
Reach Out to a Medicare Fraud Lawyer Today
Dealing with the legal fallout of a Medicare fraud case on your own can be exhausting, unpredictable, and ultimately fruitless if you don’t have a legal background in Medicare fraud. Seeking help from a legal professional who has experience handling fraud cases can make a considerable difference in the outcome of your case. The legal team at Tully & Weiss is here to help. Contact us to speak to a member of our team about what we can do for you.
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