Investigating health care fraud has been a priority of the Obama administration in recent years, and the busts appear to be getting bigger. Federal prosecutors say they have uncovered the largest healthcare fraud to date and it’s centered on Texas and Florida.
Last month, the Justice Department announced charges against hundreds of people across the United Stateswho are accused of being part of a $900 million Medicare fraud.
CNN described the bust as “the largest takedown in history,” in terms of the amount that the Department of Justice said was involved and the number of participants.
Investigators allege most of the cases in question entail separatefraudulent billings to Medicaid, Medicare or both systems for treatments that were not provided.
Over recent years health care fraud has become a leading white collar crime in Texas. We have seen the arrests of a considerable number of medical professionals.
The CNN report said a doctor in Texas was charged with involvement in schemes to bill Medicare for home health services that were not necessary and were not provided.
The Department of Justice said the fraud in Texas amounted to $193 million making it the biggest player in the alleged scheme after Florida where the feds claim the fraud ran to $237 million. Dallas and San Antonio were listed as hot spots in Texas.
The investigation was carried out by the Medicare Fraud Strike Force which forms part of a joint initiative between the Departments of Health and Human Service and Justice. It was set up in 2007.
CNN reported the strike force has carried out operations which have led to more than 1,000 people being charged with more than $3.5 billion in health care fraud.
Federal investigators have shown considerable zeal in pursuing health care fraud operations. When there is pressure to get results, medical professionals risk being erroneously being drawn into investigations and losing their reputations and livelihoods.
At Peek Law Group , we represent people who have been charged with white collar crimes. Although these are not offenses of violence, they carry harsh sentences and it’s vital to get experienced legal representation as soon as possible. Contact our Austin defense attorneys here or call (512) 399-2311.