Accomplished NJ Attorney Defends Medical Facilities Accused of COVID-19 Fraud
Robust representation for white-collar crime charges stemming from the pandemic
With the outbreak of COVID-19, the U.S. government allocated vast sums for diagnosis and treatment. The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act in 2020 established the Provider Relief Fund to support much needed medical care for Americans suffering from COVID-19. To discourage fraudulent claims against the fund, the Health Resources & Services Administration adopted a complex set of regulations. Compliance with these rules can strain the resources of any facility trying to claim benefits from the fund. Even mistakes made in good faith can raise red flags and trigger investigations.
The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) is aggressively pursuing medical facilities they believe have committed COVID-19 funding fraud, a form of white-collar crime. If your medical facility is under investigation, the Law Offices of David Jay Glassman can help. Drawing on more than 40 years of criminal law experience, we provide a robust defense. When we get involved early in white-collar criminal investigations, we can often resolve the issues without formal charges being filed. If it turns out you have made errors that expose you to liability, we can negotiate a settlement that may mitigate the consequences to your organization and its personnel.
What are some examples of alleged COVID-19 fraud at medical facilities?
As early as May 26, 2021, the DOJ announced criminal charges against 14 defendants in seven federal districts across the United States for various healthcare fraud schemes totaling more than $143 million in false claims against the fund. Defendants included medical professionals, corporate executives and others who the DOJ accused of lining their own pockets with funds dedicated for providing services. Enforcement actions are also being taken by the Center for Program Integrity’s Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CPI/CMS).
The types of fraud charged have included:
- Billing for unnecessary services
- Bribes for referrals for unnecessary testing and services
- Incorrect coding and billing
- Direct solicitation
- Identity theft
- Personal protective equipment (PPE) fraud
- Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) fraud
All of these are familiar aspects of Medicaid and Medicare fraud schemes. A new wrinkle was introduced with the expansion of Medicare services to cover telemedicine consults. Individuals and organizations have been accused of billing for remote consultations that never happened.
The experience you need when you’re charged with white-collar crimes
Individuals and organizations charged with COVID-19 funding fraud can expect aggressive prosecution. Your defense counsel must be able to match the skill and experience of diligent U.S. attorneys who are seeking the maximum penalties. You need a defense attorney who knows federal criminal law and the procedures of the federal court system.
In our practice, we have represented defendants in numerous federal court cases involving white-collar charges that exposed our clients to extreme jeopardy. We are proud of our track record of success. We are determined to put forth a compelling defense and obtain the best possible results in every case.
Contact our white-collar crime defense lawyers if you are charged with COVID-19 fraud
The Law Offices of David Jay Glassman defends organizations and individuals in New Jersey who are accused of COVID-19 relief fraud. Call us at 866-221-1270 or contact us online to schedule an appointment. We have offices in Marlton, New Brunswick, Hackensack and Newark.