how to report medical patient fraud to washington state government

by Orin Gottlieb 10 min read

Fraud Program - Office of the Washington State Auditor

27 hours ago Reporting fraud in government. We encourage all citizens to report fraud allegations directly to the State Auditor’s Office (SAO). Washington state law requires all state agencies and local governments to immediately notify SAO if staff know or suspect loss of public resources, or of other illegal activity including a cyber-attack if it ... >> Go To The Portal


Phone: 1-833-794-2345 (toll free) Email: hottips@hca.wa.gov.

What constitutes as medical fraud?

Medi-Cal fraud is generally defined as the billing of the Medi-Cal program for services, drugs, or supplies that are: Unnecessary; Not performed; More costly than those actually performed.

How do I report fraud in Washington state?

Washington State Welfare Fraud Hotline: 1-800-562-6906 The Department of Social and Health Services Office of Fraud and Accountability investigates public benefits fraud in Washington state.

What is the sentence for medical fraud?

Misdemeanor - one year county jail and/or $10,000 fine. Felony - 2, 3, or 5 years in county jail and/or $50,000 fine or double the amount of fraud, whichever is greater.

How do I contact Medicaid in Washington state?

Call 1-800-200-1004 (toll-free) Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., or.

How do I report disability fraud?

Phone: Contact the National Benefit Fraud Hotline on 0800 854 4400. Your call is free and confidential you do not have to give your name or address.

Who regulates hospitals in Washington state?

The Department of Health (DOH)The Department of Health (DOH) regulates health care providers and certain health care facilities (hospitals, ambulatory surgical facilities, child birth centers, home health agencies, behavioral health agencies, and behavioral health treatment facilities).

What happens if you lie to Medi-Cal?

A fine of up to one thousand dollars ($1,000); and/or. Repayment of any fraudulently-received benefits to the California Department of Health Care Services, which administers Medi-Cal.

What is the income limit for Medicaid in Washington state?

Who is eligible for Washington Medicaid?Household Size*Maximum Income Level (Per Year)1$18,0752$24,3533$30,6304$36,9084 more rows

What is Medicaid called in Washington state?

Apple HealthIn Washington State, Medicaid is called Apple Health.

What is the highest income to qualify for Medicaid?

Federal Poverty Level thresholds to qualify for Medicaid The Federal Poverty Level is determined by the size of a family for the lower 48 states and the District of Columbia. For example, in 2022 it is $13,590 for a single adult person, $27,750 for a family of four and $46,630 for a family of eight.

How does Medicaid fraud affect taxpayers?

Medicaid Fraud affects every taxpayer! The more providers steal , the less Medicaid money is available for those who need it . Some may be excluded from the program altogether. Others may suffer a loss of available services.

What is a whistleblower qui tam?

Qui Tam Whistleblower / Medicaid Fraud. Whistleblowers who bring qui tam actions must serve a copy of their complaint and written disclosure of substantially all material evidence and information the person possesses on the Attorney General in electronic form.

What is the Washington State Medicaid Fraud Control Division?

Established in 1978, the Washington State Medicaid Fraud Control Division (MFCD) is responsible for both criminal and civil investigation and prosecution of healthcare provider fraud committed against the State’s Medicaid program.

What is Medicaid in Washington?

Washington Medicaid also includes hospice, mental health, dental services and eyeglasses. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is a federal agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. You can learn more about the programs online at http://www.cms.hhs.gov/.

What is a whistleblower qui tam?

Qui Tam Whistleblower / Medicaid Fraud. Whistleblowers who bring qui tam actions must serve a copy of their complaint and written disclosure of substantially all material evidence and information the person possesses on the Attorney General in electronic form.

What is fraud and abuse?

Fraud and abuse are specific complaints or incidents about such things as service billing irregularities, coding that misrepresents the services provided (or not provided), instances of theft or embezzlement, conflicts of interest, provider self-referrals or ‘kickbacks’, or any other conduct that may be a violation of law or billing instructions. Your call or email is confidential.

Is Apple Health insurance fraud?

Falsely reporting circumstances to obtain Wash ington Apple Health coverage is insurance fraud. This can include, but is not limited to, under-reporting income, reporting you are a resident when you live out of state, not indicating all your household members, and more.

How to report fraudulent billing?

Report the fraudulent billing you've experienced, including the name of the medical facility, the supplies, operations, or tests you were incorrectly charged for, and the amount of the charge. Contact ACA Billing at 1-800-318-2596.

Where to report insurance fraud?

In this case, you need to report the fraud to your state's Insurance Fraud Bureau.

What to do if you suspect someone has been fraudulently billed?

If you suspect that a friend or family member—e.g., an aging parent—may have been fraudulently billed, talk with them about the bill. You can also enlist the services of a medical billing advocate on their behalf .

How to dispute a hospital bill?

1. Contact the hospital's billing department. In case the doctor or hospital made an honest mistake, it's best to bring the billing error to their attention as soon as you notice the problem. Look on the office's or hospital's website to find information regarding billing disputes.

What is the medical board in the DOH?

Many states will have a medical board within the DOH that evaluates claims of unethical medical conduct or fraudulent billing. This board will investigate the billing fraud on your behalf. If you do not live in the United States, contact the government medical board that governs the region in which you live.

What to do if you are being fraudulently billed?

If you believe that you have been fraudulently billed, first try to sort the bill out with the doctor or hospital. It may have been an honest mistake. If they refuse to correct the charges, contact your health insurance provider. Steps.

Does insurance pay for medical bills?

In almost all circumstances, your insurance company will be paying for the majority of your medical bill, so they'll be very interested to hear about suspected fraud. Your insurance company will contact the doctor or hospital and inquire about the suspicions medical procedures or tests you've been billed for.