“Under the Health Resources & Services Administration (“HRSA”) Uninsured Program (the “Program”), healthcare providers who conducted COVID-19 testing or provided treatment for uninsured individuals with a COVID-19 primary diagnosis on or after February 4, 2020, or provided COVID-19 vaccine administration on or after December 14, 2020, were entitled to reimbursement through the Program based on the Medicare fee schedule. Since its conception, the Program has reimbursed participating providers approximately $18 billion in claims. As the dust has begun to settle, it appears, based on audits/investigations we have come across, the federal government is now poised to take enforcement action against providers related to the Program, as necessary.”
In the February 24th issue of Medical Economics, Mandelbaum Barrett PC Healthcare Chair Mohamed Nabulsi, Esq. and Associate Ahmed Gadalla, Esq. break down the increase in FCA investigations related to COVID-19 with a focus on the OIG Self-Disclosure Program and benefits of self-auditing and self-disclosure.