From billing for services never rendered to falsifying patient diagnoses to justify unnecessary tests, allegations linked to Medicare and insurance fraud take many forms. While federal and state government regulations hit accused defrauders hard with years behind bars and thousands in fines, there is a real risk of false accusations and getting caught up unknowingly in a nationwide scheme. If you are charged with a crime in New Jersey, call the Lento Law Firm at 888-535-3686 or fill out our consultation form now.

New Jersey Residents Implicated In Nationwide Scandal

Nearly 200 defendants have been charged in connection with a national healthcare fraud scheme, 13 of which are from New Jersey. The scheme allegedly sought to defraud state and federal medical insurance programs like Medicare, Medicaid, TRICARE, and other private health insurance companies. Officials explained that $231 million in cash, luxury vehicles, gold, and other assets were seized as part of the investigation—less than one-tenth of the $2.75 billion defrauded.

Some of the New Jersey defendants are charged with conspiracy to commit health care fraud in connection with a scheme to defraud the Amtrak health care plan. Prosecutors say that multiple defendants were Amtrak employees and enrollees in the company healthcare plan. Allegations rose of false and fraudulent claims to Amtrak for services that were never provided, and the plan lost tens of millions of dollars after many received kickbacks for their agreement to allow their Amtrak employee insurance to be used for false billing.

What Are the Consequences of Medical Insurance Fraud?

The New Jersey defendants face charges at multiple levels. Federally, they may face violations of the Healthcare Fraud Statute and the Anti-Kickback Statute, among others. At the state level, the defendants face charges under the New Jersey Health Care Claims Fraud Act.

Under the act, if the prosecution proves that the Amtrak employees committed the fraud knowingly, they face charges of a second-degree crime, punishable by a maximum imprisonment of ten years and fines up to $150,000. However, if committed recklessly, charges are downgraded to a third-degree crime with penalties of three to five years of imprisonment and a maximum fine of $15,000.

Eventual court decisions may also order restitution to the insurance funds and any victims found in connection. Most importantly, the charges can become a barrier to working and living normally even after punishment is served.

How Can the Lento Law Firm Criminal Defense Team Help You?

When you face years behind bars and significant fines, you need a defense team you can trust to understand the particulars of your case and serve the best outcome.The Lento Law Firm Criminal Defense Team will safeguard your rights to advocate for reducing or dismissing charges and ensure all avenues of appeals are exhausted. Call us now at 888-535-3686 to get started on your defense, or fill out our confidential consultation form.