Medicare / Medicaid Fraud
Medicare and Medicaid are federal programs. That means that any accusations of defrauding those programs are federal charges, which will be heard in federal court. Your attorney should not only be familiar with the intricacies of federal court and federal procedure, but also with the complicated legal matters that are involved with any fraud case.
Des Moines Medicare Fraud Lawyer
If you’ve been accused of Medicare or Medicaid fraud, a Des Moines fraud lawyer from McCarthy & Hamrock, P.C. has the skills you’re looking for to effectively fight the charges. At McCarthy & Hamrock, P.C., we have four decades of experience to put to work for you. We will build the strongest defense possible, challenging the prosecution’s evidence and seeking to have your charges reduced or dismissed. Call us today at (515) 279-9700 to set up a free consultation.
We are licensed to practice in Iowa federal courts, and based in West Des Moines. We represent clients throughout the Des Moines area, including anywhere in Polk County and Dallas County, and throughout the state of Iowa.
Medicare and Medicaid Fraud Charges in Iowa Federal Courts
More than 1 million people are enrolled in either Medicaid or Medicare in Iowa, and numbers are growing rapidly. Medicare is a program that is intended to primarily serve as health insurance for the elderly. Medicaid mostly aids those with low or no incomes, who do not make enough money to be able to afford health insurance. Under the programs, the program beneficiary seeks services through a doctor or other health care provider, and the provider bills Medicare or Medicaid for the services rendered.
The doctor, clinic or health care provider is often the subject of the criminal accusations. Under federal law, it is illegal to knowingly bill for services that were not performed, or bill for supplies or medical equipment that were not provided. Under the law, this includes billing for appointments that the patient did not make. Often, the provider is accused of billing Medicare or Medicaid for serves not provided, or for services not deemed medically necessary.
For example, a doctor may be accused of offering much more physical therapy than a patient needs, and then bill Medicare for all of the physical therapy. He or she may also be accused of offering the patients money, food or other services to allow the doctor to use their names to bill the program.
Medical clinics are often the targets of fraud investigations. This is because the alleged fraud often involves a very high volume of billing. Anyone involved may be charged: doctors, nurses, dentists, physician assistants, clinic directors and even patients. Several people may be charged. Each should have their own Des Moines white collar crime lawyer. Co-workers can be turned against each other by plea deals.
Penalties for Defrauding Medicare and Medicaid in Polk County
If convicted of Medicare or Medicaid fraud, you will go to federal prison. Every single instance of fraud can result in a sentence of up to five years and a fine up to $25,000. However, fraud charges rarely come one at a time; usually there are multiple counts. Medicare and Medicaid fraud charges are often accompanied with other charges, like forgery and mail or wire fraud. The penalties can rack up to decades in prison and hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Additionally, there are civil penalties, including fines. A person convicted of Medicare or Medicaid fraud is no longer eligible to bill the program for services. If you are a doctor, nurse or other medical professional, you may face issues with your license or other forms of professional discipline.
McCarthy & Hamrock, P.C. | Polk County Medicaid Fraud Attorney
Medicaid and Medicare fraud charges are a serious, complicated matter. An experienced Des Moines Medicare and Medicaid fraud lawyer can make a significant difference in the result of your case. At McCarthy & Hamrock, P.C., you will find skilled criminal defense attorneys who can represent you on federal fraud charges involving Medicare and Medicaid. Call today at (515) 279-9700 to set up a free consultation.