The changes are modeled on an IRS program that has returned $2 billion in fraud since 2003.
Over the past three years, President Barack Obama’s administration has recovered more than $14.9 billion in fraud, some of which resulted from fraud reporting by individuals. Under HHS’ proposed changes, a person that provides specific information leading to the recovery of funds may be eligible to receive a reward of 15 percent of the amount recovered. The reward currently sits at 10 percent.
HHS’ new proposal would also increase the cap on the recovery fund awards to $66 million. That means a person can earn as much as $9.9 million if CMS collects more than $66 million as a result of his or her fraud tip.
A new funding opportunity released this month supports the expansion of Senior Medicare Patrol activities to educate Medicare beneficiaries on how to prevent, detect and report Medicare fraud. SMP is a national, volunteer-based program that empowers Medicare enrollees to report potential fraud and abuse in the program.
More Articles on Medicare Fraud:
Medicare RACs, Hospitals Spar Over New Fraud Legislation
OIG Expects $6.9B in Healthcare Fraud Recoveries
GAO: Hospitals Most Common Subjects in Civil Healthcare Fraud Investigations
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