In the words of business magnate Daymond John, “Life is 20% what happens to you, and 80% how you respond.” While it may be a bit of an unusual connection, this quote is particularly relevant when it comes to dealing with the news that you are now the subject of a Medicaid fraud investigation. 
A letter from the NYC Bureau of Fraud Investigation (BFI) means that the government suspects that you are guilty of Medicaid fraud. The way in which you respond can mean the difference between a subtle inconvenience, or a major problem. Below are some of the biggest mistakes that people make when first receiving a letter from the BFI.
Failing to Respond
Although we may think that not responding to a letter in the mail may cause the problem go away, the unfortunate reality is that the opposite is in fact true. When you fail to respond, the appointed investigator must decide whether to refer your case to the City’s lawyers, for a collective lawsuit, or to the District Attorney for a criminal investigation. Once your case is referred to state attorneys, there is now a public record accusing you of Medicaid fraud. The record may show up on your credit report or even a background check should you decide to apply for employment, not to mention that an entered judgment may result in garnished wages and even liens on your property. Most importantly, if the investigator refers your case for criminal prosecution, you may end up with a criminal record for the rest of your life.
Facing The Investigators Alone
When you arrive at your interview, you will be placed in a room with two investigators; one will ask you questions and the other will write down every word you say. If you say anything that is even slightly inconsistent with what they have on record, they will assume you are lying to them and can potentially elevate your case from a non-issue to a serious criminal prosecution.
What some people fail to realize is that the investigators are highly trained professionals. It is unwise and highly discouraged for you to face your investigators alone. By hiring a criminal medicaid fraud attorney to represent you in the matter, you will be able to confide in a professional who is familiar with the questioning style of the investigators, as well as, what questions you must answer, and which you are legally not obliged to respond to. It is likely that by facing the investigators alone, you will give them the exact information they are looking for to finalize their case against you.
Not Hiring A Licensed Attorney
Medicaid is a federal program. Aside from the fact that fraud convictions are incredibly serious, the program itself is incredibly convoluted; there are thousands of rules and regulations which makes it infinitely more difficult for a person to take on the responsibility of taking on the case themselves. Being that it is very easy to make a costly mistake when handling the matter yourself, hiring an experienced attorney is your best bet for avoiding a criminal prosecution.
Our advice? Hire an HRA fraud investigation attorney. There is no better way to maximize your chances of coming out victorious, or at least minimizing your risk of conviction than by having a professional by your side guiding you through each and every step of the way.