Medicare Fraud Strike Force in Texas

According to the Houston Chronicle, there’s a federal Medicare fraud strike force on the loose in Texas. The article highlights a number of Houston-area clinics committing Medicare fraud. Medicare fraud in the U.S. last year totaled $2.35 billion. There were 575 health fraud criminal actions and 342 civil actions filed. The task force has reduced [...]

Private Lawsuits Under the False Claims Act

The recent decision in United States v. Regence Blue Cross (10th Cir 12/05/2006) illustrates the power of qui tam, or private, civil lawsuits under the False Claims Act (FCA). Under the FCA, an action can be commenced either by the United States itself, or as a “qui tam” action, by a private person acting “for [...]

The False Claims Act–A Significant Hammer!

For an example of how whistleblowers and the False Claims Act interact, read this article, Home Health Care Industry Reels from Medicare Scandal. Whistleblowers can bring qui tam lawsuits against providers and benefit hugely. In this particular case, the whistleblower benefits as follows: The False Claims Act permits individuals to file qui tam lawsuits against [...]