Healthcare Whistleblower Reward Attorney
Individuals Who Report Healthcare Billing Fraud May Be Entitled to a Monetary Reward from the Federal Government
The federal False Claims Act (FCA) is one of the government’s primary tools for fighting fraud under Medicare, Medicaid, and other federal healthcare programs. Under the FCA, whistleblowers who report fraud to the government can receive monetary rewards ranging from 15% to 30% of the amount recovered.
Our experienced healthcare fraud attorneys represent whistleblowers in FCA cases nationwide. If you have questions about reporting healthcare fraud to the federal government, we strongly encourage you to contact us for a free and confidential consultation. Our attorneys can help you make an informed decision about coming forward; and, if you are eligible, we can work with the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) to secure a whistleblower reward on your behalf.
The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) Pays Healthcare Whistleblower Rewards Under the False Claims Act
The DOJ pays healthcare whistleblower rewards under the federal False Claims Act (FCA). The FCA prohibits healthcare providers and other entities from submitting false or fraudulent claims for reimbursement under all government healthcare programs, and it imposes steep penalties for noncompliance.
Along with establishing financial deterrents for fraud, the FCA also provides financial incentives for whistleblowers to come forward. As noted above, in False Claims Act cases, eligible whistleblowers are entitled to receive anywhere from 15% to 30% of the funds they help the government recover. Since healthcare fraud costs taxpayers billions of dollars annually, healthcare whistleblower rewards can be substantial—and our attorneys use their experience to help whistleblowers maximize their reward eligibility.
Healthcare Whistleblowers Can Obtain Rewards for Exposing NumerousForms of Fraud
Healthcare whistleblowers can obtain rewards for exposing all forms of fraud committed by healthcare providers, pharmaceutical companies, durable medical equipment (DME) companies, and other businesses involved in the healthcare industry. This includes (but is by no means limited to) common forms of fraud such as:
- Billing for medically unnecessary services
- Misrepresenting healthcare costs in program billings
- Other forms of Medicaid and Medicare billing fraud
- Paying or accepting fees for referrals of Medicare and Medicaid patients
- Private insurance fraud (i.e., improperly billing the government and private insurance companies)
Again, these are just examples. The False Claims Act’s whistleblower protections and reward provisions apply in cases involving all forms of healthcare fraud—including violations of the Anti-Kickback Statute, Stark Law, and other pertinent federal statutes. If you have (or believe you may have) information about any form of fraud related to the provision of designated health services to Medicare or Medicaid patients or other federal healthcare program beneficiaries, we strongly encourage you to speak with one of our experienced attorneys about coming forward.
How an Experienced Healthcare Whistleblower Lawyer at Our Law Firm Can Help
Our attorneys have extensive experience representing whistleblowers in healthcare fraud cases. We have successfully represented clients in numerous cases, and we help healthcare professionals and other individuals expose fraud in all segments of the federally funded healthcare sector.
If you have questions about coming forward, here are just some of the ways an experienced healthcare whistleblower reward attorney at our firm can help:
1. Explaining the Process of Exposing Medicare Fraud or Medicaid Fraud to the Government
To begin, our lawyers will explain the process of exposing fraud under the Medicare and Medicaid programs (or under any other relevant program) to the federal government. This includes exposing all forms of billing fraud as well as exposing illegal kickbacks and referral fees. Whistleblower claims can involve a wide range of allegations, and we can help ensure that you include all appropriate allegations in your whistleblower claim under the False Claims Act.
2. Assessing Your Eligibility to Serve as a Whistleblower Under the False Claims Act
If you are interested in coming forward, our attorneys will then assess your eligibility to serve as a whistleblower under the False Claims Act. As a whistleblower law firm, we have extensive experience helping current employees, former employees, and other individuals come forward under the FCA and other applicable federal laws. We can explain everything you need to know in order to make an informed decision about coming forward—including what you can expect from our legal representation.
3. Helping You Expose Violations to the DOJ Through a Qui TamWhistleblower Lawsuit
Exposing healthcare fraud as a whistleblower generally involves filing a qui tam lawsuit under the False Claims Act. Our attorneys can prepare and file a qui tam complaint on your behalf based on the alleged fraud you are prepared to disclose. You will not have to pay any attorneys’ fees out-of-pocket at this stage—or any other stage—of the process. Our fees, if any, will be calculated as a percentage of your whistleblower reward if your case is successful.
4. Working with the DOJ to Prove Fraud in Federal Court and Recover Taxpayer Dollars
After filing your qui tam complaint, our attorneys will work with the DOJ as it investigates your allegations and works to recover taxpayer dollars improperly reimbursed under Medicare, Medicaid, or another federal healthcare program. While past results do not guarantee future success, we have a proven track record of helping the DOJ prove whistleblowers’ allegations and secure the recovery of government funds.
5. Working with the DOJ to Calculate an Appropriate Reward Amount if Your Case is Successful.
In whistleblower cases under the False Claims Act, whistleblowers’ rewards are calculated, in part, based on the value of the information and assistance provided. Our attorneys can use their experience to help maximize your award eligibility; and, if your whistleblower case is successful, they can work with the DOJ to calculate an appropriate award amount on your behalf. As noted above, our legal fees, if any, will be calculated based on the amount we help you recover.
FAQs: Filing a Whistleblower Complaint as a Current or Former Healthcare Employee
Which federal whistleblower laws apply in cases of healthcare fraud (including pharmaceutical fraud and DME fraud)?
The False Claims Act is the primary federal whistleblower law that applies in cases of healthcare fraud. This is true for cases involving fraud in all areas of the federally funded healthcare system—from provider billing fraud to fraud involving prescription drugs and medical devices. If you work in healthcare and you are interested in coming forward as a whistleblower, doing so will most likely involve filing a complaint under the False Claims Act.
If you work for the federal government, you may be able to come forward under the Whistleblower Protection Act (WPA). The WPA provides protections for federal employees who report fraud, waste, and abuse (FWA), and whistleblower rewards are available to federal employees some cases.
When are healthcare fraud whistleblowers eligible to receive financial rewards?
Healthcare whistleblowers are eligible to receive financial rewards when they help the government recover taxpayer dollars from bad actors. For example, if you come forward with information about Medicare or Medicaid billing fraud, you could become eligible for a financial reward if your tip leads to a successful enforcement action.
With that said, the process of serving as a healthcare fraud whistleblower is complicated. Whistleblowers must typically file qui tam complaints under the False Claims Act, and they must be prepared to communicate effectively with the DOJ. As a result, while not legally required, engaging a qualified whistleblower law firm is strongly recommended.
Can Medicare and Medicaid whistleblowers receive monetary rewards for reporting billing fraud?
Yes, Medicare and Medicaid billing fraud are among the most common violations covered under the whistleblower reward provisions of the False Claims Act. If you have (or think you may have) information about Medicare or Medicaid billing fraud and are interested in reporting such fraud to the federal government, our attorneys can explain everything you need to know in a free and confidential consultation.
Should I hire a healthcare whistleblower attorney to represent me?
As we said above, while not legally required, engaging a qualified whistleblower law firm is strongly recommended. If you have questions about serving as a healthcare whistleblower, there are several important ways an experienced attorney will be able to help you. Again, we represent all whistleblowers at no out-of-pocket cost, so it costs nothing to put our team of highly experienced attorneys on your side.
What if I also have information about tax fraud or securities fraud?
In many cases, individuals who have information about healthcare fraud will also have information about tax fraud, securities fraud, or other forms of financial fraud—whether they realize it or not. If you have information about tax fraud or securities fraud, in addition to filing a qui tam complaint under the False Claims Act, you may also be eligible to file a complaint under the IRS Whistleblower Program or the SEC Whistleblower Program. These programs pay whistleblower rewards in appropriate cases as well.
We Represent Healthcare Fraud Whistleblowers Nationwide – Schedule a Free Consultation Today
Are you interested in learning more about coming forward as a healthcare whistleblower? If so, contact us today. Call 866-320-3959 or tell us how we can get in touch online to speak with an experienced healthcare whistleblower attorney at Oberheiden P.C. in strict confidence as soon as possible.