Healthcare fraud is a serious crime in Illinois that costs taxpayers billions of dollars every year. To protect yourself and your loved ones from becoming victims, here are the five most common types of health care fraud. We will also look at how healthcare providers and individuals carry out these scams.
1. Provider fraud
Provider fraud occurs when doctors, nurses or other healthcare providers submit false claims for services that they never provided or falsify records to get paid for services they did not render. This kind of health care fraud can be very costly to taxpayers and also put patients at risk if providers submit incorrect information about their medical histories.
2. Beneficiary fraud
This occurs when beneficiaries (e.g., Medicare or Medicaid recipients) submit false claims for benefits they are not entitled to receive. Beneficiary fraud can include submitting fake bills or lying about one’s income to receive more benefits than he or she is eligible for. It can also involve selling their prescription drugs on the black market.
3. Equipment and supplies fraud
Equipment and supplies fraud occurs when healthcare providers submit fake invoices for medical equipment or supplies that were never delivered or used. Equipment and supplies fraud can lead to shortages of important medical supplies.
4. Services fraud
Services fraud occurs when healthcare providers provide unnecessary services or submit bills for services that they did not actually provide. Services fraud often results in higher costs for patients and taxpayers. It can also put patients at risk if they receive unneeded procedures.
5. Prescription drug fraud
This occurs when people illegally obtain prescription drugs and then sell them on the black market. Prescription drug fraud can lead to dangerous shortages of prescription drugs.
By understanding the five most common types of healthcare fraud, you can protect yourself and your loved ones from becoming victims. If you suspect that someone is committing health care fraud, please contact the authorities immediately.