The need for having an experienced, knowledgeable federal criminal defense attorney has never been greater today than it has been in several years.
On July 13, 2017, Attorney General Jeff Sessions and Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Tom Price, M.D., announced the largest ever health care fraud enforcement action by the Medicare Fraud Strike Force, involving 412 charged defendants across 41 federal districts, including 115 doctors, nurses and other licensed medical professionals, for their alleged participation in health care fraud schemes involving approximately $1.3 billion in false billings. Of those charged, over 120 defendants, including doctors, were charged for their roles in prescribing and distributing opioids and other dangerous narcotics. Thirty state Medicaid Fraud Control Units also participated in today’s arrests. In addition, HHS has initiated suspension actions against 295 providers, including doctors, nurses and pharmacists.
The charges — like most prosecuted by the Department of Justice — aggressively target schemes billing Medicare, Medicaid, and TRICARE (a health insurance program for members and veterans of the armed forces and their families) for medically unnecessary prescription drugs and compounded medications that often were never even purchased and/or distributed to beneficiaries. The charges also involve individuals allegedly contributing to the opioid epidemic, with a particular focus on medical professionals involved in the unlawful distribution of opioids and other prescription narcotics, a particular focus for the Department. According to the CDC, approximately 91 Americans die every day of an opioid related overdose.
The Gov’t Has a Medicare Fraud Strike Force, Who Do You Have to Fight Against Them?
The Government has a Medicare Fraud Strike Force, a joint initiative between the Department of Justice and HHS to focus their efforts to prevent and deter fraud and enforce current anti-fraud laws around the country. The Medicare Fraud Strike Force operates in nine locations nationwide. Since its inception in March 2007, the Medicare Fraud Strike Force has charged over 3500 defendants who collectively have falsely billed the Medicare program for over $12.5 billion.
With resources and efforts like this employed by the federal Government, what is one to do when they are falsely implicated or improperly accused in a dragnet fashion of these crimes?
Health care fraud cases are among the most complex criminal cases to defend against and require an attorney with the requisite skills, knowledge, and experience in handling those types of cases. Brent Mayr, Paul Schiffer, and Richard Esper are among the best in Medicare and Medicaid fraud defense. They each have represented individuals in these types of cases. Whether you are being investigated or have been charged, contact any of these attorneys at 855-NT-GILTY (855-684-4589) to speak with them personally regarding your case.