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Experienced Philadelphia Lawyers Defend Healthcare Facilities Charged with COVID-19 Fraud

Aggressive defense to white-collar crime accusations in the wake of the pandemic

In March 2020, Congress passed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act), which has since allocated more than $3 trillion in funds for various kinds of assistance. Much of the funding was directed towards healthcare facilities to provide diagnosis and treatment. Unfortunately, such vast funds are enticements to scammers. By the end of 2021, more than $100 billion was estimated to have been stolen from various programs. In response, the government is aggressively investigating and prosecuting suspected COVID-19 fraud, a type of white-collar crime.

If you learn your healthcare facility or medical practice is under investigation, don’t wait for charges to be filed. You need staunch defense representation from the outset. At the Law Offices of David Jay Glassman in Philadelphia, we provide skilled and determined defense to federal white-collar criminal charges. We draw on more than 40 years of criminal justice experience to resolve your issues on the most favorable terms possible. Often, when clients retain us in the early stages of an investigation, we can resolve the matter without formal charges being filed.

U.S. Department of Justice aggressively prosecutes suspected COVID-19 fraud

In May 2021, a little more than one year after COVID-19 relief funds were first allocated, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) accused medical professionals, corporate executives and others of conspiring to defraud relief programs of $143 million. At the same time, the Center for Program Integrity of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CPI/CMS), the office that investigates Medicare fraud, was taking adverse administrative action against more than 50 medical providers.

Fraud prosecutions are continuing in earnest, alleging such types of fraud as:

  • Billing for unnecessary testing and services
  • Billing for services not rendered, including telephone consults
  • Offering bribes for referrals
  • Erroneous coding and billing
  • Direct solicitation
  • Identity theft
  • Fraud involving personal protective equipment (PPE)
  • Fraud against the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP)

The aggressive pursuit of alleged scammers was further accelerated when Attorney General Merrick Garland established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to coordinate DOJ efforts with those of other agencies.

The False Claims Act and COVID-19 funds

The federal False Claims Act is a major tool the government uses to root out fraud. The law allows whistleblowers to file lawsuits in the name of the United States — known as “qui tam” actions — in which the government can intervene and investigate. This means that an employee of your healthcare facility can allege COVID-19 fraud and cooperate with the DOJ. A successful qui tam action can expose a defendant to treble damages, of which the whistleblowing employee receives a share. Such individuals are guaranteed protection from retaliation.

Faced with such consequences, you need reliable legal representation. Our attorneys know federal criminal law and procedure. We have fought complex cases alleging white-collar criminal offenses. The sooner you get us involved, the sooner you receive the benefit of our top-rated legal services. We can advise how to avoid missteps that could lead to charges of obstruction and other crimes. We know how to protect your rights during the investigative process and how to achieve a resolution on the best possible terms.

Call our skilled Philadelphia attorneys if you are charged with for COVID-19 fraud

The Law Offices of David Jay Glassman in Philadelphia represents individuals and healthcare facilities charged with COVID-19 relief fraud. To arrange for a consultation with an experienced attorney, call 215-563-7100 or contact us online.