Disability/Healthcare Insurance Fraud Unit

Disability and healthcare insurance fraud is a prevalent and prolific enterprise. The National Heath Care Anti-Fraud Association estimates conservatively that health care fraud costs the nation about $68 billion annually — about 3 percent of the nation's $2.26 trillion in health care spending. Other estimates range as high as 10 percent of annual health care expenditure, or $230 billion. This results in higher premiums and higher costs for goods and services for the residents of Monterey County.

The Monterey County District Attorney’s Disability and Healthcare Insurance Fraud Unit is comprised of an experienced attorney and an investigator who are not only committed to diligently investigating and prosecuting insurance fraud, but are also dedicated to taking a proactive approach to prevent fraud by offering training and conducting outreach in the community.

HEALTHCARE FRAUD IS A CRIME and includes:

Billing fraud – Occurs when bills are inflated by a healthcare provider or when an insurance company is billed for a good or service that was not given.

Identity theft – Using someone else’s identity to secure or pay for a healthcare benefit.

False disability claims – False claims submitted against a private disability insurance policy or a claimant performing activities exceeding alleged physical limitations.

Prescription fraud – A pharmacist inflates bills or falsifies billing to an insurance company or a person illegally obtains medical prescriptions.

Dental fraud – Dentist inflates bills or performs unauthorized services for profit.

Cappers and kickbacks – Cases where patients are recruited and paid to undergo medical treatment, when the procedures are performed or not.

Surgery center fraud – Any alleged fraudulent activity relating to a surgery center.

Long term care fraud – Fraudulent billing submitted regarding the type or amount of care provided.

The Monterey County District Attorney’s Disability and Healthcare Insurance Fraud Unit is a vertical prosecution team specifically directed at this very specialized and complicated area of criminal law. Additionally, the unit works closely with investigators from the California Department of Insurance and California Department of Consumer Affairs.

Healthcare Fraud is a felony, punishable by up to five years in prison and fines up to $150,000. Restitution is generally ordered in all cases during the sentencing process.

Healthcare fraud and abuse is a serious problem, and your assistance is vital in helping us to prevent the problem. Simple tips that may help you prevent fraud and abuse include:

Review your explanation of benefits to ensure accurate dates of service, name of providers, and types of services reported
Protect your insurance card and personal information at all times
Count your pills each time that you pick up a prescription
Research your providers with your state’s medical boards
Report suspected fraud and abuse as soon as possible

Our unit also provides outreach to the community to educate and raise awareness on topics of healthcare/disability fraud, including, but not limited to:

How to Avoid being a Victim of Healthcare Fraud
Prescription Drug Abuse
Private Long Term Disability Fraud to Protect our Seniors and Disabled
Protecting Your Healthcare Identity

If your group is interested in receiving a presentation or training, please contact District Attorney Investigator Oliver Minnig at (831) 784-5648 or email: MinnigO1@co.monterey.ca.us .

If you would like to report suspected disability and healthcare fraud in Monterey County, please call the District Attorney’s Office Fraud Hotline at (831) 755-3224. The more information you provide allows our unit to follow-up on these reported suspected activities.

Speakers Bureau The Speakers Bureau is a community outreach and education program that matches qualified members of the District Attorney’s staff with community groups and organizations wishing to learn more about various aspects of the criminal justice system. The program is free and available to the public. Entities such as neighborhood organizations, educational institutions, faith-based groups, and clubs or organizations should feel free to request a speaker for meeting or gathering.
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Child Abduction Child Abuse Consumer Protection Criminal Investigations Criminal Justice System Overview Cyber Crimes (Internet, Social Media) Driving Under the Influence	Domestic Violence Drugs & Narcotics Elder Abuse Environmental Protection Gang/Hate Crimes Human Trafficking Identity Theft	Insurance Fraud Juvenile Crime & Prevention National Night Out Prison Crimes Real Estate Fraud Recruitment	Sexual Assault Sexually Violent Predators Truancy Abatement Victim Services Welfare Fraud
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Our Mission The mission of the Monterey County District Attorney's Office is to promote justice, ensure that the rights of victims are upheld by treating them with dignity, respect and compassion, and aggressively and fairly prosecuting those who violate the law. Our Values We provide an environment that is positive and courteous and employ individuals of high ethical standards, character and professional courage. We maintain public confidence by providing efficient and effective services and encourage open communication to promote the best interests of the community. Our Vision We are committed to diversity and recognize the significant and valuable contributions to our Mission from our employees and the community we serve. Our vision is to enhance the quality of life in our community, to aggressively advocate the cause of justice, and seek to enhance the criminal justice system, ultimately protecting our community.
Meet the District Attorney The Role of The District Attorney Career Opportunities Office Locations/Business Hours/Holiday Schedule Main Office 142 W. Alisal St, Salinas, California 93901 Monterey Office 1200 Aguajito Rd. Room 301, Monterey, California 93940 King City Office 250 Franciscan Way, King City, California 93960 Phone: (831) 755-5070 Fax: (831) 755-5068 Email: publicinformation@co.monterey.ca.us	Policies Brady SB-978 Law Enforcement Agency Public Military Equipment Policy – 2023	Frequently Asked Questions FAQs

Speakers Bureau The Speakers Bureau is a community outreach and education program that matches qualified members of the District Attorney’s staff with community groups and organizations wishing to learn more about various aspects of the criminal justice system. The program is free and available to the public. Entities such as neighborhood organizations, educational institutions, faith-based groups, and clubs or organizations should feel free to request a speaker for meeting or gathering.
Suggested Topics
Child Abduction Child Abuse Consumer Protection Criminal Investigations Criminal Justice System Overview Cyber Crimes (Internet, Social Media) Driving Under the Influence	Domestic Violence Drugs & Narcotics Elder Abuse Environmental Protection Gang/Hate Crimes Human Trafficking Identity Theft	Insurance Fraud Juvenile Crime & Prevention National Night Out Prison Crimes Real Estate Fraud Recruitment	Sexual Assault Sexually Violent Predators Truancy Abatement Victim Services Welfare Fraud
Speaker Request Form
Multi-Cultural Community Council

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Our Mission The mission of the Monterey County District Attorney's Office is to promote justice, ensure that the rights of victims are upheld by treating them with dignity, respect and compassion, and aggressively and fairly prosecuting those who violate the law. Our Values We provide an environment that is positive and courteous and employ individuals of high ethical standards, character and professional courage. We maintain public confidence by providing efficient and effective services and encourage open communication to promote the best interests of the community. Our Vision We are committed to diversity and recognize the significant and valuable contributions to our Mission from our employees and the community we serve. Our vision is to enhance the quality of life in our community, to aggressively advocate the cause of justice, and seek to enhance the criminal justice system, ultimately protecting our community.
Meet the District Attorney The Role of The District Attorney Career Opportunities Office Locations/Business Hours/Holiday Schedule Main Office 142 W. Alisal St, Salinas, California 93901 Monterey Office 1200 Aguajito Rd. Room 301, Monterey, California 93940 King City Office 250 Franciscan Way, King City, California 93960 Phone: (831) 755-5070 Fax: (831) 755-5068 Email: publicinformation@co.monterey.ca.us	Policies Brady SB-978 Law Enforcement Agency Public Military Equipment Policy – 2023	Frequently Asked Questions FAQs

Disability/Healthcare Insurance Fraud Unit

HEALTHCARE FRAUD IS A CRIME and includes:

We are the Monterey County District Attorney's Office

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