South Carolina whistleblowers who report Medicare or Medicaid fraud may be entitled to protection and an award under the False Claims Act.
The federal False Claims Act empowers whistleblowers to file “qui tam” lawsuits on behalf of the government against those who commit healthcare fraud. Qui tam lawsuits are filed under seal, meaning in secrete, to allow the government the opportunity to investigate and decide whether to intervene in the case.
Whistleblowers may receive up to 30% of any recovery and up 25% of any recovery when the government intervenes.
The False Claims Act has a provision that protects whistleblowers from workplace retaliation. Whistleblowers who are retaliated against may be entitled to receive:
- 2 times back pay,
- reinstatement of employment,
- severance pay,
- specific damages,
- attorney’s fees.
The most common types of cases under the False Claims Act are cases involving the Medicare and Medicaid programs.
Examples of Medicare and Medicaid fraud include,
- Billing for medically unnecessary procedures or services
- Upcoding
- Billing for services and procedures that are not rendered
- Unbundling
- False billing
Miller Law Group represents whistleblowers for Medicaid and Medicare fraud throughout the United States. If you are considering becoming a whistleblower, contact us for a free consultation, or call 919-348-4361.
