Which of the following accurately defines Medicare/Medicaid fraud?

Medicare/Medicaid fraud encompasses a range of deceptive practices aimed at unlawfully obtaining funds from these government healthcare programs. The correct definition recognizes that fraud can involve various degrees of intention and action.

Each component of the answer reflects different aspects of fraudulent activity:

• The first option identifies the intention behind fraud—attempting a scheme signifies that even the intention to commit fraud against Medicare or Medicaid, regardless of whether the scheme was ultimately successful, can constitute fraudulent activity.

• The second option highlights the action element—executing a scheme indicates that actively carrying out fraudulent acts, regardless of success, is considered fraud if it is aimed at deceiving the programs for improper financial gain.

• The third option emphasizes the element of willfulness—willfully executing a scheme underscores the idea that the perpetrator has knowledge of the deception and intends to violate the law, which is crucial in defining fraud; it adds a layer of accountability and intent.

By encompassing all these facets, the correct answer indicates that any involvement in Medicare/Medicaid fraud—whether through intent, action, or willfulness—falls under the definition of fraud against these programs. Thus, acknowledging that all the previous definitions are part of the broader concept of fraud captures the complexity and the legal consequences surrounding fraudulent