What you should know about Medicaid qui tam lawyers before you blow the whistle.
If you’re aware of Medicaid fraud, you need to know about Medicaid qui tam lawyers. Medicaid fraud is hard to execute and is often even harder to prove, which is why it’s vital to have a qualified lawyer on your side.
Do you have some concerns about reporting the fraud to the proper authorities? That’s common with whistleblowers. The good news is there are laws in place to protect you. Qui tam laws not only protect whistleblowers, but they also reward them, entitling informants to a part of the financial settlement. But that can’t happen without Medicaid qui tam lawyers. Here’s what you need to know.
Why Medicaid Matters
The Medicaid program is essential. It provides health care to millions of Americans, especially to those who are in need. Many low-income adults, pregnant women, children, seniors, and people with disabilities use Medicaid for their healthcare coverage. As of November 2018, Medicaid has over 66 million people enrolled. The bad news is that some people and organizations game the system to gain illegal access to Medicaid funds.
Medicaid fraud occurs when someone makes a misleading claim with the intent of receiving Medicaid funds. Most often done by health care providers, it can include billing Medicaid for more services than provided, overstating the cost of the services provided, exaggerating the supplies needed for medical care, and charging more than the reasonable value of service. While Medicaid fraud can appear obvious, it can be hard to prove in a court of law. Many companies that commit Medicaid fraud have been doing it for years and have it down to a science.
If you witness, are aware of or are suspicious of Medicaid fraud, it’s imperative that you do the right thing and report the fraud. Failing to do so means that some people who need health care might not receive treatment due to lack of funding. It also means letting the bad guys keep on doing what they’re doing.
Qui Tam Lawyers: What You Need to Know
If you’re considering reporting the fraud, it’s crucial to have a lawyer on your side. Here are four facts you need to know about Qui tam lawyers:
- They understand what you’re risking as a whistleblower. They know you’re trying to do right by the government, and they are there to support you. You may have seen other people try to do the right thing and report fraud, and then get punished for speaking up. Qui tam lawyers understand what you’re putting on the line when you make the choice to report. It’s likely that you’re concerned about your career and your reputation. You may also have concerns about how you’ll care for your family if you end up being out of work due to your reporting. The laws and the lawyers are here to protect you from repercussions related to whistleblowing.
- They know Medicaid laws inside and out. Federal health care laws contain complicated information, and many health care businesses use this to their advantage. It takes an experienced Medicaid attorney to find the details of illegal or fraudulent behavior. If you’re not sure if something is fraudulent, we’re here to help explain the laws to you. As with most things in life, if something seems off, it probably is.
- Medicaid lawyers have relationships with government officials. This allows them to work outside of court. This can mean the protection of your privacy. Many Medicaid qui tam cases settle out of court. Our relationships with government officials allow us to start working on your case immediately. One of the toughest parts of pursuing any court case is waiting. Weeks turn into months, and settlements can seemingly take an eternity to pay out. Relationships with officials allow lawyers to speed this process along, getting you the money you deserve faster than if you had to go through the court system.
- They do their research. Qui tam lawyers know that cases need to be bulletproof when going up against people who have no problem committing fraud. It’s vital that the facts and knowledge of health care law are substantial.
Don’t Go It Alone – Call a Pro
If you’re aware of Medicaid fraud, it’s important that you do the right thing and report. Failing to do so can mean misused funds that don’t go to Americans who need them. When you report, you need a qui tam lawyer on your side. Speaking up can be hard, and we’ll be by your side every step of the way. Choose Medicaid qui tam lawyers who know qui tam laws inside and out by contacting Bothwell Law Group.