Medicaid and Medicare fraud is a serious charge, carrying stiff monetary fines and the possibility for jail time. If you are a Florida doctor, medical clinic, hospital, DME provider or just the recipient of Medicaid or Medicare benefits, and you have been accused of Medicaid fraud, you need representation from an experienced and and qualified criminal defense attorney familiar with these types of cases. Robert Malove’s the skills and qualifications to help you. Medicare services providers can be charged for fraud based on a number of potential activities, including:
- Billing Medicaid for health care services that were not provided
- Filing fraudulent claims for services and medical conditions
- Illegal fee sharing
- Coverage claims for non-existent illnesses
- …and a number of other situations
If you are a recipient of Medicaid benefits, you may be charged with Medicaid fraud for:
- Falsifying information on the Medicaid application
- Forging prescriptions
- Re-selling medicine received through the Medicaid program
- Allowing other persons to use your Medicaid card
Medicare Fraud Investigations and Federal Exposure
Medicare fraud investigations are typically handled at the federal level by agencies such as the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG), the FBI, and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). These investigations are often thorough and data-heavy, with investigators carefully reviewing billing records, electronic health records, and communications between providers and staff.
Even small documentation inconsistencies can sometimes be flagged as potential concerns. For that reason, getting legal guidance early in the process can be an important step. Common allegations in these cases include upcoding, unbundling services, billing for procedures that were not medically necessary, or submitting claims for patients who did not actually receive treatment.
The consequences of a Medicare fraud investigation can be serious. Depending on the findings, outcomes may include criminal charges, repayment demands, exclusion from federal healthcare programs, and long-term damage to a provider’s professional license and reputation. Understanding how these investigations develop—and how they can be challenged—is an important part of protecting a medical practice or career.
How Do We Help?
An experienced Fort Lauderdale Medicare fraud defense lawyer can help assess the government’s allegations and develop a focused defense strategy. In many cases, that defense may involve showing there was no intent to commit fraud, pointing out billing or clerical errors, or demonstrating that the services provided were medically necessary and properly documented.
Federal investigators often begin their review with the assumption that irregularities may indicate wrongdoing. Because of that, early involvement of defense counsel can sometimes help shape how the investigation unfolds and, in some situations, even resolve concerns before formal charges are filed.
It’s also important to be careful when responding to government inquiries. Statements made during audits or interviews may later be used in enforcement actions or criminal proceedings, even if they were made informally or without legal guidance.
Why Does Strategic Representation Matter in a Medicare Fraud Case?
Healthcare fraud cases are complex, and the way a defense is handled can significantly influence the outcome. A Fort Lauderdale lawyer can help clients navigate both state and federal Medicare fraud investigations while ensuring their rights are protected throughout the process.
These cases often rely on detailed billing records, financial data, and medical documentation that may be open to interpretation. A careful review of the evidence can sometimes reveal inconsistencies, procedural issues, or alternative explanations for what initially appears to be irregular activity.
Not all Medicare fraud allegations involve intentional misconduct. Many arise from simple billing mistakes, coding errors, or misunderstandings of frequently changing regulations. In those situations, strong documentation and supporting records can play a key role in resolving matters favorably.
Robert Malove represents physicians, healthcare providers, clinic owners, and Medicare beneficiaries facing these types of allegations. His approach emphasizes early intervention, clear communication with investigators, and building defenses grounded in the specific facts of each case.
Get Help From a Fort Lauderdale Medicare Fraud Defense Lawyer Today.
In cases of Medicaid or Medicare fraud, the government will often move quickly to prosecute, so you need to move even more quickly to procure the best defense possible. You need an experienced health care fraud defense attorney representing you. Get help now by calling Criminal Attorney Robert Malove.