Defense for Medi-Cal Fraud

In the state of California, Medicaid is called Medi-Cal. Medi-Cal provides free to low-cost health insurance to millions of low-income adults and children, disabled individuals and the elderly. Medi-Cal differs from Medicaid, in that it is funded by both federal and state funds, as opposed to being financed entirely by federal funds.

The state of California’s Medi-Cal program is administered by the state Department of Health Services and costs nearly $40 billion each year, which amounts to one-quarter of the state’s budget. Today, one out of every six Californian’s receives their health insurance from Medi-Cal.

Medi-Cal fraud is a large problem, costing the state millions of dollars each year. Medi-Cal fraud costs tax payer’s money by increasing the cost of social programs and, for those people who need the health care service, they are affected by Medi-Cal fraud when there aren’t enough funds to pay for necessary services.

What is Medi-Cal Fraud?

When medical offices bill Medi-Cal for services, drugs and supplies that are: not necessary, not performed or, cost more than those actually performed, they are committing Medi-Cal fraud. In addition to the above, when people pay out kickbacks or receive kickbacks for Medi-Cal billing referrals, they are also committing Medi-Cal fraud. Medi-Cal fraud is very serious and the state has invested in a team of prosecutors, special agents and forensic auditors inside the Attorney General’s Bureau of Medi-Cal Fraud and Elder Abuse. If you have been charged with Medi-Cal fraud, it is vital that you hire a Los Angeles criminal defense attorney immediately. In addition to health care providers being charged with Medi-Cal fraud, patients can be charged as well for falsifying information in order to obtain medical coverage.

Medi-Cal fraud is a “wobbler” in the state of California, which means, depending on the facts of the case, it can be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony offense. If you are convicted, you are facing jail or prison time, thousands of dollars in fines, asset forfeiture and more. The good news is that hiring a skilled and knowledgeable Medi-Cal fraud defense attorney who is experienced in dealing with these kinds of cases can help you avoid a criminal conviction and jail time. There are a number of defenses that an attorney can use on your behalf. If you have been charged with Medi-Cal fraud, contact a Los Angeles Medi-Cal fraud defense lawyer at Tyler & Wilson, LLP today.

Contact a Los Angeles Medi-Cal fraud defense attorney from our firm for a free initial consultation.