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Hospital Settles False Claims Act Case Alleging Improper Physician Salary Guarantees

Historically, the False Claims Act came about in response to improper claims for reimbursement under wartime defense contracts. However, the modern FCA is most often used to recover funds disbursed pursuant to unlawful invoices for healthcare services submitted to Medicare and Medicaid. In fact, healthcare fraud recovery is the largest […]

Top Five Areas of Fraud Against the Government

We regularly report on various breaking news stories covering settlements and verdicts under the False Claims Act. The FCA has consistently proven to be a pivotal tool for the U.S. government in tracking down the fraudulent misuse and waste of taxpayer dollars. Under the FCA, an individual may commence a […]

Florida Care Center Runs Afoul of Medicare Hospice Eligibility Rules

The Medicare and Medicaid system is administered through the payment of invoices submitted by healthcare providers. When submitting a claim to a government healthcare agency, it must be an honest amount for services actually rendered. The patient care cannot be the result of an unlawful kickback scheme and all care […]

Federal Court Considers Bank of America’s Motion to Dismiss in Mortgage Insurance Fraud

Bank of America is facing yet another potential whistleblower lawsuit, and recently motioned the federal district court in California to dismiss the case. Many of Bank of America’s struggles stem from the 2008 economic crisis caused by the housing bubble burst. At the center of it all, along with a […]

Abbott Laboratories Settles Yet Another Set of False Claims Act Allegations

Abbott Laboratories is a well-known, repeat offender of rules and regulations enforced by the federal False Claims Act (“FCA”). The FCA prohibits those in the medical industry from submitting claims to any government healthcare agency if those claims were derived improperly. Improper claims could include those from patients retained through […]

Atlanta-Based Mortgage Loan Fraud Case Finally Settles After Seven Years

The ripple effect of the 2008  housing bubble burst continues to reveal the true gravity of the extent to which mortgage lenders were involved in fraudulent dealings with borrowers and the government. Mortgage loan fraud is an enormous problem, hurting the poor and the braoder economy.  The False Claims Act […]

Federal Judge Forces Parties in Nine-Year Military Contractor Fraud Case to Move Forward

In some cases involving the False Claims Act (“FCA”), extensive discovery requests, procedural strategy and legal maneuvering cause unnecessary delays often resulting in years of litigation. While this is not necessarily the norm in every FCA case, it was certainly true in the government’s FCA case against Science International Applications […]

The Intersection Between the False Claims Act and the Federal Stark Law, Part II

In yesterday’s post, we explored the important partnership between the federal False Claims Act “(FCA”) and the Stark Law – a lesser-known, equally-vital statute enacted to combat healthcare fraud in the form of unfair kickbacks and referral fees. The FCA and the Stark Law are often used in conjunction with […]

The Intersection Between the False Claims Act and the Federal Stark Law, Part I

An emergence of whistleblower cases citing the Stark Law has prompted us to take a look at this important piece of legislation – and how it intersects with the False Claims Act (“FCA”). Both statutes work to help eliminate fraud against the U.S. government. However, the Stark Law is more […]

Prominent Southern Hospital Operator Facing False Claims Act Allegations

In a recently-revealed False Claims Act case, the United States has elected to intervene against Naples, Florida-based Health Management Associates, Inc. after uncovering serious allegations of fraud. Currently, four whistleblower cases are pending against the company both in the Middle District of Georgia and Southern District of Florida. The cases […]

Fourth Circuit Revives False Claims Act Case Involving Controversial Painkiller OxyContin

The drug OxyContin has been widely publicized for its tendency to lead patients toward unintended opiate addiction, often resulting in misuse and eventual dependence. The drug is also favored among younger children eager to experiment with illicit drugs without having to venture beyond the medicine cabinet. For these reasons, OxyContin […]

Whistleblowers and Whistleblower Attorneys Make 2013 A Very Bad Year for Healthcare Fraud

The False Claims Act has proven unparalleled in its effectiveness in recovering money improperly obtained by fraudulent businesses and individuals. In recent years, the FCA has proven especially useful in exposing and punishing those engaging in healthcare fraud. Healthcare fraud, generally speaking, involves the submission of fraudulent invoices to programs […]