Under HIPAA's criminal statutes, which action is prohibited as part of the health care fraud provisions?

• A. False statements relating to health care fraud
• B. Theft or embezzlement in connection with health care
• C. All of the above
• D. Committing fraud against health care benefit programs

Answer: (C)

HIPAA’s health care fraud provisions cover a range of fraudulent misconduct to protect the integrity of health care programs. This includes knowingly making false statements related to health care program matters, theft or embezzlement in the health care setting, and fraud against health care benefit programs such as Medicare or Medicaid. Each of these actions undermines the systems that fund and deliver care, so all of them are prohibited under these criminal statutes. That’s why selecting “All of the above” is the best answer.