Medicare Fraud: Volume 2

THIS CASEBOOK contains a selection of U. S. Court of Appeals decisions that analyze and discuss issues surrounding Medicare fraud. Volume 2 of the casebook covers the Sixth through the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals. * * * Medicare is a health insurance program overseen by the federal government and is intended for people of age 65 or older or people with a qualifying disability. Medicare is funded through taxpayer contributions and small recipient premiums. Patients who qualify for Medicare benefits have services furnished by a Medicare provider like a doctor, hospital, or home health agency. Once a service is performed, that provider can bill Medicare and claim payment. Medicare contractors designated by the respective states will then review claims submitted for payment. Some claims take two weeks to process, while others may take up to a month.Claim reviewers look to the following five components for the legitimacy of claims: (1) the patient's entitlement to Medicare; (2) proper enrollment of the provider; (3) the provision of services; (4) compliance with coverage rules; and (5) proper reporting of records. Because Medicare receives such a high volume of claims, however, rarely do all claims receive a complete and thorough review. Categorically, Medicare does not pay for claims based on kickbacks or bribes. See 42 U.S.C. § 1320-7b(b) . US v. Nerey, 877 F. 3d 956 (11th Cir. 2017)