Wade McFaul Healthcare Fraud Team Former HHS-OIG Assistant Special Agent-in-Charge
Tricare is a federal healthcare program similar to Medicare that is offered to active-duty military personnel, veterans, reservists, and their families. Each year, Tricare pays tens of billions of dollars to doctors, hospitals, pharmacies, and other healthcare providers that provide services, drugs, and medical devices to Tricare recipients.
Federal Prosecutors Take an Aggressive Stance Against Tricare Fraud
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In recent years, federal prosecutors have begun taking an aggressive stance against companies that submit fraudulent claims to Tricare. By many accounts, Tricare fraud is a booming industry, costing the government billions annually and involving complex, premeditated schemes to bill for kickbacks and a variety of other types of false claims. This notoriety has led to several high-profile Tricare fraud investigations, and in a 2015 Wall Street Journal article one federal prosecutor said that he expected to see an increase in criminal Tricare fraud charges beginning in 2016.
However, not all Tricare fraud cases are like this. In many instances, well-intentioned pharmacies and healthcare providers are facing criminal punishment and steep monetary penalties for making honest mistakes.
Regardless of your situation, you need to take Tricare fraud allegations very seriously. A criminal conviction could mean decades behind bars, and a civil case could result in tens of thousands, hundreds of thousands, or millions of dollars of financial liability.
Are You Being Investigated for Tricare Fraud?
A number of different federal agencies conduct investigations involving allegations of Tricare fraud. These include: the Department of Defense (DOD), the Office of Inspector General (OIG), the Department for Health and Human Services (HHS), the Department of Justice (DOJ), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and in some cases even the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). Federal prosecutors can bring both civil and criminal charges, and knowing whether your investigation is civil or criminal is the first step toward building a solid defense.
At the Oberheiden, P.C., we are highly experienced with representing businesses and individuals being investigated for Tricare and other forms of healthcare fraud. Several of our Tricare fraud defense attorneys are former federal prosecutors. As a result, we are often able to anticipate the government’s arguments and strategies, and in many cases, we are able to help our clients avoid facing criminal charges.
Recent Targets of Federal Tricare Fraud Investigations
Recently, federal prosecutors have placed additional emphasis on launching Tricare fraud allegations against compound pharmacies. However, all Tricare providers are potentially at risk for facing allegations of fraud. We have significant experience representing a wide range of providers, and our Tricare Fraud Defense Lawyers are available to defend companies including:
Compound pharmacies,
Hospitals,
Medical device (durable medical equipment or “DME”) companies,
Pharmacies,
Physician-owned entities, and
Toxicology laboratories.
Federal prosecutors will also often bring cases against individuals who they accuse of being involved in Tricare fraud. These individuals may include doctors, nurses, senior company executives, and even staff members. At Oberheiden, P.C., we represent all defendants in Tricare fraud investigations, and our first priority is always to obtain dismissal of the charges against our clients.
Penalties for Tricare Fraud
The penalties for Tricare fraud can be extremely severe. While the specific risks you are facing will depend on whether your investigation is civil or criminal, possible penalties for Tricare fraud include the following:
Exclusion from future participation in Tricare,
Recoupment of fraudulent claims,
Treble (triple) damages,
Fees payable to the government,
Fines of up to $11,000 per false claim, and
Years, or even decades, of incarceration in federal prison.
Former Senior Trial Attorney U.S. Department of Justice
Local Counsel
Joanne Fine DeLena
Former Assistant U.S. Attorney
Local Counsel
Lynette S. Byrd
Former Assistant U.S. Attorney
Partner
Amanda Marshall
Former U.S. Attorney
Local Counsel
Aaron L. Wiley
Former Federal Prosecutor
Local Counsel
Roger Bach
Former Special Agent (OIG)
Gamal Abdel-Hafiz
Former Supervisory Special Agent (FBI)
Chris Quick
Former Special Agent (FBI & IRS-CI)
Kevin M. Sheridan
Former Special Agent (FBI)
Ray Yuen
Former Supervisory Special Agent (FBI)
Dennis A. Wichern
Former Special Agent-in-Charge (DEA)
Why Choose Oberheiden, P.C. to Defend Your Tricare Fraud Allegations
With your business, your finances, and your future on the line, you need an experienced criminal defense law firm on your side. The fraud defense attorneys and former federal prosecutors at Oberheiden, P.C. are highly experienced with representing clients in investigations involving Tricare and other healthcare fraud allegations. We know what it takes to protect our clients, as demonstrated by our extensive record of successful results.
When you are facing a federal investigation, it is important to seek legal representation as soon as possible. From our experience, we understand the value of getting involved in our clients’ investigations early. As former prosecutors, we know the strategies that the government will try to use against you. If you are serious about protecting yourself, your employees, and your family, you need a law firm that can present the strongest possible defense. You need Oberheiden, P.C..
Contact Oberheiden, P.C. for a Free Case Evaluation
To find out more about how we can help defend you against allegations of Tricare fraud, we invite you to contact us for a free, confidential case evaluation. Our fraud defense lawyers will be happy to help you understand your situation, weigh your options, and devise a strategy to defend yourself against the government. /healthcare-defense/tricare-fraud/Request your free consultation online, or get our help now by calling 888-680-1745.
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