Houston Medicare & Medicaid Fraud Attorney

Disclaimer: We handle Medicare and Medicaid fraud cases for medical professionals.

Medicare and Medicaid fraud are two of the fastest-growing crimes in the United States. More health care professionals are facing these charges than before. If you’re facing charges for Medicare or Medicaid fraud, you need to speak with an experienced criminal defense lawyer immediately. Your future, your career, and your freedom might depend on it. Accusations of this nature can place the licenses of pharmacists and doctors on the line, not to mention risk destruction of hard-earned practices. When your practice, career, and very freedom are at stake, get the best lawyer you can in your corner.

Fraud defense lawyer Nicole DeBorde works hard on her clients’ behalf and is sought after for some of the most difficult and challenging criminal defense needs throughout Texas. She aggressively protects her clients’ rights and prepares a thorough, personalized case strategy aimed at securing their freedom and protecting their professional reputations. As a skilled Houston Medicare and Medicaid fraud lawyer, she brings a wealth of experience to every case, ensuring her clients receive the strongest possible defense.

At Hochglaube & DeBorde, PC, we provide exceptional legal representation, advocating fiercely for our clients in complex fraud cases while upholding the highest standards of professionalism and integrity.

Do not delay in getting the help you need. Reach out through our online form to learn more about Medicare and Medicaid fraud allegations or call (713) 526-6300 to schedule a confidential consultation. Se habla español.

Understanding the Anti-Kickback Statute

Many Medicare and Medicaid fraud investigations involve allegations under the Federal Anti-Kickback Statute (42 U.S. Code § 1320a-7b), which governs financial relationships linked to federally funded healthcare programs. This law prohibits knowingly offering, receiving, paying, or soliciting anything of value in exchange for referrals or services reimbursed by Medicare, Medicaid, or TRICARE.

Complexity & Broad Application

Anti-Kickback cases can be particularly complex because the law is applied broadly. Arrangements that seem routine, such as referral agreements, consulting contracts, discounted services, or tiered compensation structures, may be scrutinized if federal investigators believe they were designed to influence patient referrals. In many instances, healthcare providers face allegations even when they believe their conduct followed common industry standards or outdated regulatory guidance.

High Stakes & Collateral Consequences

Violations of the statute can result in severe criminal charges, significant financial penalties, and permanent exclusion from federal healthcare programs. These allegations are rarely stand-alone; they are often combined with broader claims under the False Claims Act, which increases the financial stakes through treble damages. For physicians, pharmacists, clinic owners, and healthcare administrators, an Anti-Kickback investigation is a "death penalty" threat to their professional livelihood.

The Necessity of a Strategic Response

When Anti-Kickback concerns arise, a meticulous review of contracts, billing practices, referral patterns, and internal compliance policies is essential. Because these cases often involve specialized federal agencies like the HHS-OIG and the DOJ, they can progress rapidly. Evaluating exposure early and identifying applicable "Safe Harbors" is the only effective way to build a viable defense and protect your practice.

Harris County Attorney for Health Care Fraud

Millions of Americans receive health care benefits from the Medicare and Medicaid programs. These programs are very complex and are governed by complicated statutes and rules that many professionals find difficult to understand. As a result, mistakes can be made that end up with serious fraud charges being brought against doctors, their staff and other health care professionals. A skilled insurance fraud lawyer can help you navigate these challenges and protect your rights.