Columbia Medicaid Fraud Lawyer
Medicaid fraud is the act of a health care provider or recipient of such services knowingly submitting false information to get Medicaid to pay for services or treatments. It is a serious offense that will place you under investigation by the South Carolina Attorney General’s Office. If convicted, you could be imprisoned or must pay steep fines.
Have you been charged with Medicaid fraud in Columbia, South Carolina? If so, I, Attorney Jonathan M. Harvey, am here to help. With over three decades of experience, I will do whatever it takes for a successful resolution to your case.
Examples of Provider Fraud
The most common schemes of Medicaid provider fraud include:
- Billing for unnecessary medical services
- Billing for services not provided
- Unbundling: Billing multiple codes for a service that is covered by a single billing code
- Upcoding: Billing for more extensive services or treatments than were actually provided
- Kickbacks: Offering another medical provider a financial incentive to refer patients to their office, often resulting in unnecessary treatments
Examples of Recipient Fraud
The most common schemes of Medicaid recipient fraud include:
- Sharing your Medicaid ID card with another person
- Altering or duplicating your Medicaid ID card and selling it for someone else to use
- Submitting a false application for Medicaid
- Helping your doctor file false claims by agreeing to unnecessary tests
- Providing false information so that you are eligible for Medicaid
Penalties for Medicaid Fraud
Medical providers found in violation of South Carolina law are guilty of a class A misdemeanor. Offenders may be imprisoned for three years, subjected to a $1,000 fine per offense, or potentially both.
In addition to prison time and fines, the Attorney General may require a provider to pay three times the amount of overpayment or false claims. The court may also impose a $2,000 fine for each false statement or claim. Additionally, the Medicaid program may enforce administrative sanctions against you.
Patients found in violation of South Carolina law will also be guilty of a class A misdemeanor, potentially facing three years in prison, fined $1,000, or both.
Protecting Your Reputation
Whether you are up against federal or state Medicaid fraud charges, I will work with you to develop a defense strategy. Medicaid laws are ever-changing, and if you were unaware that you were providing false information, you may be able to get the charges against you dropped.
The key to a successful outcome is providing evidence to support your claim. In retaining me, you are working with someone who understands the importance of defending your good name.
A Columbia Medicaid Fraud Lawyer Preserving for You
Any allegations of Medicaid fraud should not be taken lightly. If you have been accused of Medicaid fraud, I am here to help. Contact the Law Office of Jonathan M. Harvey by calling 803-779-3363 to schedule your free case evaluation.