Manhattan healthcare cheat lawyers Arthur Lebedin and Russ Kofman release a new article (www.lebedinkofman.com/practice-areas/criminal-defense/fraud/healthcare-fraud/) explaining healthcare deceit in New York. The lawyers mention that anyone who executes a scheme to cheat any healthcare benefit to obtain money is guilty of cheating the healthcare system. If an individual is found to be lying in order to get paid by Medicare, Medicaid, or any other health insurance company, then they are guilty of committing cheating healthcare.
“The government may prosecute an individual for healthcare deceit in many different ways. It may allege that an individual did not provide the services claimed or that the services rendered were not medically necessary. Additionally, it may allege that the individual charged more for the services rendered or that the services were based upon an illegal kickback arrangement,” says the article from the Manhattan healthcare cheating defense lawyers.
Attorney Arthur Lebedin explains that the prosecution team needs to prove two elements in order to convict someone of healthcare deceit. First, they need to prove that there was a scheme to cheat or obtain money from a healthcare benefit program and that it was knowingly and willfully executed by the defendant.
Defense attorney Russ Kofman adds that there are many forms of healthcare cheating. These forms include medical identity theft, billing for unnecessary services or items, billing for services or items not furnished, up-coding, unbundling, and kickbacks. Medical identity theft, according to attorney Kofman, involves the misuse of a person’s medical identity to wrongfully obtain healthcare goods, services, or funds.
In the article, the lawyers add that it is also important to differentiate between healthcare cheating and making mistakes. If a person is aware that they are engaging in a scheme to fabricate falsehoods with the intention of gaining money, then they are guilty of cheating the healthcare system. However, cheating does not include situations where a person made a mistake and ended up charging the patient more.
According to attorney Kofman, “A conviction under 18 USC §1347 can have serious consequences. Healthcare deceit is punishable by a prison sentence of up to 10 years. A criminal penalty can result in fines, imprisonment, and an order for restitution. This is to compensate the victim for any loss of money due to the scheme Civil penalties usually result in an order to pay restitution but no jail time or fines.”
Lastly, attorney Kofman emphasizes the importance of having a skilled lawyer when a person is facing charges of healthcare cheating. An experienced lawyer may be able to help the defendant understand their rights and protect their freedom.
About Lebedin Kofman LLP
Russ Kofman and Arthur Lebedin are seasoned, aggressive litigators handling cases in both the state and federal courts. Together, they manage the Lebedin Kofman Law firm. They also handle civil rights cases. Attorney Kofman and attorney Lebedin believe in their clients and work hard to fight for their rights and help them receive the best possible outcome for each of their cases. Call today to speak with an experienced attorney: (646) 663-4430.
https://youtu.be/o5iD8ZM_DoY
###
For more information about Lebedin Kofman LLP, contact the company here:
Lebedin Kofman LLP
Arthur Lebedin
(646) 663-4430
26 Broadway 3rd floor, New York, NY 10004, United States
