​Healthcare Fraud Whistleblower Rewards

Every year, the government pays hundreds of millions of dollars to whistleblowers who help stop fraud, waste, and abuse in the Medicare and Medicaid programs.  Whistleblowers are also entitled to significant legal protections.  If you have evidence of Medicare or Medicaid fraud, call us today to learn if you qualify for a reward and legal protections as a whistleblower.

​Most potential whistleblowers come to us for three reasons.

First, our clients want to help stop Medicare and Medicaid fraud.  The FBI estimates that these programs lose billions of dollars every year by overpaying for services that were not medically necessary, never provided, or not entitled to reimbursement.  Our clients understand that we all pay for this fraud in the form of higher taxes, fewer services, and multitrillion dollar deficits.

Second, our clients want to earn large financial rewards and legal protections by helping the government.  Every year, the government pays hundreds of millions of dollars to whistleblowers who come forward with evidence to help stop Medicare and Medicaid fraud.  Our clients want - and deserve - a share of that multimillion dollar bounty.

Third, our clients understand that they are at risk if they do not come forward.  Sooner or later, the government will uncover the fraud.  If you knew about the fraud and failed to report it, then you could become a target of a criminal investigation instead of earning a whistleblower reward. 

While the whistleblower laws are complicated, the decision to become a whistleblower is fairly simple.  If you have evidence that your employer or healthcare provider is submitting false claims to Medicare and Medicaid, then you have two choices.

• You can do nothing and hope that FBI agents don't show up at your home asking why you helped to keep the fraud secret; or
• You can consult with a lawyer to find out how to qualify for a large financial reward and legal protections as a whistleblower.

Consult with Experienced Whistleblower Lawyers Today

Call (212) 601-2728

​​​​Answers to Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

​Who is Eligible for a Whistleblower Reward?

Anyone with evidence of Medicare or Medicaid fraud can earn a whistleblower reward.  You do not have to be an employee or personally affected by the fraud.  You only need to have evidence that helps the government stop the fraud and recover money.

The most common whistleblowers include:

• current and former employees
• current and former patients
• consultants, advisors, vendors, and service providers
• competitors and employees of competitors

​This is only a partial list of the types of people who may be eligible for whistleblower rewards.  Anyone who has evidence of Medicare or Medicaid fraud can help fight fraud and earn a financial reward.

​How Do Whistleblowers Earn Rewards?

The False Claims Act allows individuals to file a qui tam or whistleblower lawsuit on behalf of the government and to share in any money the government recovers.  The lawsuit is initially filed “under seal” (that means, "in secret") and the evidence is shared only with the prosecutor.  This allows the government to investigate the case before the defendant knows that they are suspected of wrongdoing.
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After conducting an investigation, the government may decide to take over the lawsuit, prosecute the defendants, and/or engage in settlement negotiations with them.  Or the government may allow the whistleblower and their attorney to prosecute the lawsuit on the government’s behalf.  If the government recovers money as a result of the lawsuit, then the whistleblower will receive a reward of between 15% and 30% of the amount the government recovers.

​Why Should I Become a Whistleblower?

​When you help stop Medicare and Medicaid fraud, you become eligible for a large financial reward and legal protections as a whistleblower.  Reporting Medicare and Medicaid fraud is also the right thing to do.  You will help stop waste and abuse in our healthcare system, save millions of dollars for taxpayers, and reduce the growth of government deficits.

​What is a Whistleblower or Qui Tam Lawsuit?  

​Anyone who has evidence of Medicare or Medicaid fraud may file a whistleblower or qui tam lawsuit to recover money for the government.  The lawsuit is initially filed "under seal" (that means, "in secret"), and the evidence of fraud is given only to the government. 

After the government reviews the evidence, it will conduct a thorough investigation.  Based on that investigation, the government may decide to engage in settlement negotiations, take over the lawsuit, or allow the whistleblower to pursue the lawsuit with their own lawyer.

How Much Money Are Whistleblowers Paid?

​When the government sues for Medicare and Medicaid fraud, it can seek repayment of all amounts it paid for false claims, plus treble damages, plus a penalty of up to $11,000 per false claim.  It is not unusual for the government to recover millions of dollars in damages and penalties.

The whistleblower's reward is between 15% and 30% of the amount the government actually recovers.  It is not unusual for whistleblower rewards to reach hundreds of thousands of dollars and, in many cases, even millions of dollars.

Can You Be an Anonymous Whistleblower?

​Some whistleblower programs allow the whistleblower to remain anonymous.  The whistleblower's evidence is provided to the government - and the reward is paid to the whistleblower - through the whistleblower's lawyer.  Other programs allow you to file the whistleblower claim "under seal" (that is, "in secret").  Your identity is revealed only after the government conducts an investigation.

​How Does My Whistleblower Lawyer Get Paid?

​Whistleblower cases are taken on a contingency fee basis.  You will not have to pay any attorneys' fees unless you win.  Your attorney will be paid a percentage of the reward or with an award of attorneys' fees against the defendant.

​How Do I Become A Whistleblower?

​If you have evidence that false claims are being submitted to Medicare or Medicaid, then the first step is to consult with an experienced whistleblower attorney.  We will help you understand whether you qualify for a whistleblower reward and legal protections.

​How Do I Find the Best Whistleblower Lawyer for My Case?

Healthcare whistleblower lawyers need to have a unique set of skills and experience.  They need to understand the complex laws, rules, and regulations governing Medicare and Medicaid.  They need to have experience working and negotiating with government investigators and prosecutors.  And they need to be experienced trial lawyers who can prosecute the case on behalf of the government.

Most of all, your whistleblower lawyer needs to know how to protect you from making mistakes.  For example, most whistleblower cases are based on confidential information such as HIPAA-protected patient charts, confidential billing records, and computer files.  You and your lawyer must protect the confidentiality of that information. 
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At The Howley Law Firm, our lawyers have represented clients in complex healthcare lawsuits for more than 30 years.  We have negotiated with prosecutors and appeared in courts throughout the country, including in state and federal courts from New York to Los Angeles, in small town courts in Alabama and Mississippi, and in the U.S. Supreme Court in Washington, D.C.  Call us today to schedule a consultation.

Call (212) 601-2728

Read What Our Clients Say

"John Howley is one of the best lawyers I have met.  He listened carefully and was very detailed in all aspects.  Everything has been a success.  Thank you, John!"
O.R.​

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​"I hired Mr. Howley last year and I must say that this man is talented.  It felt great to have someone in my corner that was competent and able to produce results."
Wanda W.

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"Highly recommended.  John and his team are efficient and knowledgeable.  I'm grateful for the team's assistance and immediate action on my case."
Maria R.

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We Are Here to Help

You are not alone.  At The Howley Law Firm, we care about you.  We are ready to listen to your needs and help you understand your legal rights and options.

We can help you organize your evidence and present a compelling case to the government for a large financial reward.  Most of all, we can help you protect your legal rights, your reputation, and your career.

Call (212) 601-2728