Yesterday, the U.S. Dept of Justice announced the arrest of
91 people in 7 cities nationally in conjunction with over $430 million in
alleged Medicare fraud claims. In
Southern California, 18 residents were arrested in conjunction with 6 cases of
Medicare fraud. Federal officials
estimate the fraud totals around $65 million, the largest in Los Angeles.
Said Attorney General Holder, “Today’s enforcement actions
reveal an alarming and unacceptable trend of individuals attempting to exploit
federal health care programs to steal billions in taxpayer dollars for personal
gain.”
As of February 2012, Attorney General Holder reported anti-
fraud efforts had reclaimed over $4.1 billion, the largest sum ever reclaimed
in a single year.
How You Can Prevent
Fraud
·
Host a Senior Medicare Patrol meeting! You too
can educate and empower your peers to identify, prevent and report healthcare
fraud. Thousands of community meetings
are held annually to increase fraud awareness.
·
Report suspicious activity. Did you not order an extra wheelchair? Be on
the alert for items you did not order and do not require that are being tacked
onto your medical supply deliveries.
·
Compare your bills with services you actually
received.
·
Question promotions that offer free tests,
treatment, or services – especially when the provider requests your insurance
information
Healthcare Fraud Puts
You at Risk
Healthcare fraud puts you at risk which could potentially
damage your health. And it robs citizens
of their hard earned money because it drives health care costs higher. We all suffer because of health care fraud.
If you suspect you’re the victim of healthcare fraud, you
may want to speak to an attorney.
