Violations of the FCA can result in severe penalties, including:
- Monetary Penalties: Fines can range from $11,000 to $22,000 per false claim, plus up to three times the amount of damages sustained by the government. - Exclusion from Medicare and Medicaid: Healthcare providers found guilty of FCA violations may be excluded from participating in federal healthcare programs, severely impacting their ability to operate. - Criminal Charges: In some cases, fraudulent activities can lead to criminal charges, resulting in imprisonment.
