The cost of healthcare in the USA is in itself mindboggling. Do you ever wonder why? There are many reasons but here is one of them: Fraud. Yes, big time fraud by individuals who submit bills to Medicare and Medicaid. I’m referring to services that were never actually provided but bills were submitted for those non-existent services. The fraudulent characters are usually professionals in the healthcare business. Fortunately the federal government (U.S. Department of Justice) has gotten wind of this fiasco and has been focusing on the problem and is recovering large sums. This past year an all time record was set for the second year in a row. Health Care Recoveries from fraudulent activities related to Medicare and Medicaid topped $3 billion for the year. That’s only counting the ones that were caught and resulted in recoveries. Who knows how many more there are?
Back in October, 2012 Attorney General Eric Holder announced that the so-called Medicare Fraud Strike Force charged 91 individuals – including doctors, nurses and other licensed medical professionals - for their alleged participation in Medicare fraud schemes. These schemes involved approximately $429 million in false billing. Dozens of charged individuals were arrested or surrendered as indictments were unsealed across the country.
Health and Human Services also suspended or took other administrative action against 30 health care providers. Under the Affordable Care Act (Obama Care) HHS is able to suspend payments until the resolution of an investigation. The rising tide of health care costs may be stemmed somewhat by these kinds of actions on the part of our government.
It is mind-boggling to me that professional health care professionals would stoop so low. I guess every- body wants more in their own pockets.
Stan the Man
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