The Medicare Part B fraud unit under the United Health Care carrier reported over -payment recoveries of 1.7 million dollars in 1997. The fraud unit also participated in the conviction and subsequent jail sentences of 5 Connecticut physicians or other individuals involved in health care fraud.
In addition, there are expected to be over 70 defendants in the undercover operation "Operation Overdraw" which was announced in January of this year by state and federal officials. "Operation Overdraw" was a three-year investigation aimed at people who defrauded patients and insurance companies. Kickbacks are a major issue in the case.
According to Frank Fallon, Medicare Fraud Information Specialist, we should see an increase in activities like, "Operation Overdraw". Through the Kennedy-Kassebaum legislation, more resources are available to the carriers such as an increased number of FBI agents dedicated to health care fraud. This will allow the carriers to go after the fifty thousand-dollar cases as well as the high dollar cases.