The healthcare system is full of errors and inequities. For this reason, it is sometimes viewed as an easy target for fraud. Healthcare fraud in Massachusetts is a very serious crime that can be penalized by prison time, fines, restitution, and other consequences. If you are facing charges for healthcare fraud in our state, you need experienced legal counsel on your side. Call The Law Office of Paul R. Moraski today to get started.
What Is Healthcare Fraud?
Healthcare fraud occurs when an individual falsifies a claim or otherwise engages in fraudulent activities with the intent to defraud the healthcare system by illegally receiving payments or benefits. Healthcare fraud is surprisingly common, resulting in billions of dollars of losses each year. According to the FBI, healthcare fraud can be committed by patients, doctors, and others involved in the healthcare system.
Is Healthcare Fraud a White Collar Crime?
Yes, healthcare fraud is a white collar crime. While white collar crimes are not violent crimes and therefore don’t have the same level of stigma attached to them that violent crimes often do, they are still highly illegal and treated seriously under both state and federal laws.
Examples of Healthcare Fraud
Healthcare fraud can occur in many different ways. It might include forgery, identity theft, double billing, phantom billing, upcoding (charging a patient for a more expensive service than they received), impersonating a healthcare professional, and more.
How Being Charged with Fraud Can Impact Your Life
The penalties for healthcare fraud depend on whether the crime is prosecuted under state or federal laws, as well as the value of benefits or payments involved in the fraud. In Massachusetts, for example, healthcare fraud could result in a sentence of imprisonment of up to five years; under federal law, however, this can be doubled. Fines can be significant, including up to $250,000 per offense. Regardless of the jurisdiction prosecuting the crime, healthcare fraud is also a stain on your reputation and will likely result in a loss of your professional license, too. There may also be civil charges associated with healthcare fraud, and you may be ordered to pay restitution.
Call an Attorney Today
Don’t make the mistake of trying to represent yourself if you’ve been charged with healthcare fraud—you have too much at stake. To get the legal counsel you need who will help you build a viable defense and protect your rights, call The Law Office of Paul R. Moraski directly. You can reach our law firm at (978) 397-0011, or online for an initial consultation. Don’t wait to get the help you need.