Several arrests from five different states on Medicare Fraud occurred recently. States involved in this fraud including: New York, Michigan, Louisiana, Texas, and Florida.
More than 30 people were arrested in conjunction with this recent . Among the suspected were nurses, doctors, and others.
The total amount that has been allegedly scams sits currently at $251 million.
Some of the breakdown of the scams include:
1.) Unnecessary equipment
2.) False patients
3.) Physical Therapy that was never received
4.) HIV treatment that were never received
One such incident in New York found that a fraud was discovered that brought in $70 million dollars alone for physical therapy. The clinic apparently would pay off patients for their Medicare numbers and would provide bonuses for each additional patients. Undercover agents were sent in and they were paid off as well, as part of the sting operation.
Medicare and Medicaid are a serious industries and a potentially lucrative areas for scams and frauds. Recent health care changes by Obama and overalls to the health care industry may be afforded as the government begins cracking down on fraud that may be costing this country over 60 billion dollars a year.
Health Care Spending is an interesting and concerning area our national budget. Many changes may need to be put into place.
Fraud of the medicare systems is happening all the time and from very small scams to quite extensive and elaborate plans.
Federal authorities have been cracking down on many frauds over the past few years. In this most recent raid, over 360 agents were used across the five states. Federal officials have promised more time, money, resources, and manpower to fight fraud. In addition, they have set up strike forces in several cities. It is believed that Miami is the central base for many fraudulent scams over the past few years. This most recent raid found that almost $150 million dollars was from various scams and frauds in that city.
One must ask, is fraud worsening?
The answer is an alarming yes. Criminals are finding easier ways to attempt fraudulent activity. Medicare Scams are often an easy, yet profitable way to bring in large amount of money. One woman’s medicare number had over 3,500 claims on it.
What can you do to keep safe?
1.) Understand the Medicare program
2.) Be familiar with your number
3.) Keep your Medicare number safe
4.) Call your Medicare claim service to see if your number is being falsely used.
Medicare is not the only affected medical area. Medicaid has also been affected. Take a look at the following blog article about Medicaid in Utah
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