The Hoffman Firm The Hoffman Firm
WHITE COLLAR CRIME

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Health Care Fraud Lawyer in Miami

Trusted Defense in Fort Lauderdale & the Surrounding Areas

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the United States spends more on health care, at more than 17 percent of gross domestic product (GDP), than any other nation. Because health care accounts for such a significant section of the American economy, alleged fraud is one of the most commonly prosecuted white collar offenses in federal court.

Health care fraud can carry severe criminal and civil penalties. Because so many mandatory reporting requirements can involve complex paperwork that is subject to honest errors, alleged offenders may be accused of wrongdoing when there was no actual criminal intent.

If you have been arrested or contacted by a federal agency or medical insurer about alleged health care fraud, it is in your best interest to immediately seek legal representation. The Hoffman Firm defends clients accused of federal white collar crimes in Opa-locka, Miami Beach, Hialeah, South Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and several other communities in Miami-Dade and Broward Counties. Our Miami health care fraud attorney, Evan Hoffman, is a former Assistant State Attorney who is admitted to the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida. You can have him review your case and discuss your legal options during a free and confidential consultation.


Call (305) 928-1669 if you are in Miami, 954-737-3004 if you are in Broward County or contact us online for a free consultation about your case. 


Types of Health Care Fraud in Florida

Fraud in the health care industry takes various forms that may involve any one of a number of government programs. Some of the most common allegedly fraudulent claims involve popular government programs, such as Medicare or Medicaid.

Cases of fraud can be relatively simple submission of false claims or may involve more complex schemes in which other costs, figures, or data have been manipulated.

Some of the most common types of alleged health care fraud include, but are not limited to:

  • Billing for services that were never rendered
  • Billing for unnecessary services or items
  • Co-pay inflation
  • False claims
  • Falsifying a diagnosis to unnecessary procedures
  • Inadequate documentation
  • Kickbacks
  • Misrepresentation
  • Off-label marketing of pharmaceuticals or medical devices
  • Overbilling
  • Self-referrals (Stark Law violations)
  • Unbundling
  • Up-coding
  • Waiving co-pays or deductibles and over-billing the insurance carrier or benefit plan

Federal Penalties for Health Care Fraud

Alleged offenders accused of health care fraud can face civil and criminal penalties under various federal laws.

Some of the most common statutes that federal cases may be prosecuted under include:

  • False, fictitious or fraudulent claims, 18 U.S. Code § 287: Making or presenting to any person, officer, department, or agency of the United States any claim for money or property knowing such claim to be false, fictitious, or fraudulent is punishable by up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000 (or $500,000 for an organization) for a felony offense or up to $200,000 for a misdemeanor
  • Statements or entries generally, 18 U.S. Code § 1001: Knowingly and willfully falsifying, concealing, or covering up by any trick, scheme, or device a material fact; making any materially false, fictitious, or fraudulent statement or representation; or making or using any false writing or document knowing the same to contain any materially false, fictitious, or fraudulent statement or entry is punishable by up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000 per violation
  • Health care fraud, 18 U.S. Code § 1347: Knowingly and willfully executing or attempting to execute a scheme or artifice to defraud any health care benefit program or obtain, by means of false or fraudulent pretenses, representations, or promises, any of the money or property owned by, or under the custody or control of, any health care benefit program, in connection with the delivery of or payment for health care benefits, items, or services, is punishable by up to 10 years in prison and/or a fine of up to $250,000 (or $500,000 for an organization); if the violation resulted in serious bodily injury, the offense is punishable by up to 20 years in prison; if the violation resulted in death, the offense is punishable by up to life in prison

Additionally, 42 U.S. Code § 1320a–7b establishes criminal penalties for several other acts involving federal health care programs.

All of the following violations are punishable up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $25,000:

  • Making or causing to be made false statements or representations
  • Illegal remunerations
  • False statements or representations with respect to condition or operation of institutions
  • Illegal patient admittance and retention practices

Call The Hoffman Firm for a Free Consultation

If you or someone you care about has been accused of health care fraud, it is crucial that you contact an experienced and aggressive criminal defense attorney as soon as possible to discuss your legal rights and options. At The Hoffman Firm, we are prepared to put nearly 20 years of legal experience on your side. Our Miami health care fraud defense lawyer can begin immediately building a strong defense aimed at protecting your rights and your future.


If you reside in Miami call (305) 928-1669 now. If you reside in Broward County call 954-737-3004 now. 


 

Why Should You Hire The Hoffman Firm? Here Are a Few Reasons:

  • Client-Focused Representation
    Our Firm is dedicated to client satisfaction. We are available 24/7 to help those in need.
  • Decades of Experience
    Attorney Evan Hoffman has over two decades of experience fighting for the accused.
  • Premier Criminal Defense Firm
    Experienced Attorney Evan Hoffman has handled some of the most high profile and complex cases.
  • Proven Track Record
    Client satisfaction is our top priority. At The Hoffman Firm we take great pride in our success and case victories.
  • Florida Former State Prosecutor
    Attorney Evan Hoffman has extensive knowledge of the strategies used by prosecutors throughout Florida.
  • Free Initial Consultation
    We offer free initial consultations to ensure that we have your best interests in mind.

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