What is health care fraud?

Health care fraud is when someone knowingly and willfully uses false information in order to obtain payment for health care services that were not provided or services that were provided at a different cost. This type of fraud can take many forms, such as billing for services or supplies that were not provided, falsely claiming services were provided, or overcharging for services. In the State of Hawaii, health care fraud is subject to state and federal laws and is prosecuted as a criminal offense. According to Hawaii Revised Statutes, section 386-107, any person who engages in health care fraud shall be guilty of a felony and shall be subject to fines and imprisonment. Additionally, the False Claims Act forbids anyone from knowingly submitting false or fraudulent claims for payment from the government and allows the government to impose penalties or damages on those found guilty of committing fraud. Any person that makes false or fraudulent claims to the government for health care goods or services is subject to be liable and could have to pay up to three times the value of the fraud, as well as additional civil penalties. Hawaii has a strong commitment to addressing health care fraud and prosecuting individuals who commit this type of crime. It is important to be aware of the laws in place and to report any suspected instances of health care fraud to the proper authorities.

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