When it comes to healthcare fraud, the Feds are saying “enough is enough.” In fact, there were more healthcare fraud cases filed in 2013 than any other year in recent history, according to the U.S. Justice Department.

The 377 new healthcare fraud cases pursued by federal prosecutors last year reflect an increase in these types of cases – three percent more than 2012 and 7.7 percent more than the number of cases pursued by the government five years ago.

In fact, the FBI and Department of Health and Human Services are working together to find people who are trying to defraud the government, a move that will save a huge amount of dollars. Healthcare fraud costs U.S. taxpayers billions of dollars a year, which may be the main reason why the government is cracking down. More specifically, the Medicare program is bilked of between $60 billion and $90 billion each year.

Keep Your Eyes Open: Fraud Happens All the Time

Consider this: In May 2013, 89 individuals in eight cities across the country were charged for pursuing Medicare scams. Of those charged, 14 doctors and nurses are now being investigated for allegedly billing Medicare for almost $223 million in false claims.

When it comes to healthcare fraud, schemes can involve medical equipment and false ambulance charges. Sometimes, companies that don’t even provide medical services are billing Medicare for fraudulent claims. Other times, medical professionals are taking kickbacks or billing Medicare for services not rendered.

The truth is that healthcare fraud may be happening right under your nose. If you do suspect fraud, find out more about how you may be able to get compensated for blowing the whistle on the wrongdoer. Contact an experienced qui tam lawyer from Begelman & Orlow today about your suspicions at 866-627-7052.