Which program was established to address health care fraud specifically?

The Health Care Fraud and Abuse Control Program was specifically established to combat healthcare fraud and abuse within the Medicare and Medicaid programs. This program is a collaboration between the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Department of Justice (DOJ), and it works to coordinate efforts to prevent and detect fraudulent activities in the healthcare sector. It aims to protect patients and ensure the integrity of federal healthcare programs by implementing measures such as investigations, prosecutions, and enforcement actions against entities and individuals engaging in fraudulent practices.

This program not only addresses existing fraudulent activities but also focuses on preventing future occurrences through education and outreach to healthcare providers. The establishment of this program reflects a dedicated regulatory approach to safeguard the healthcare system from fraud, ultimately protecting both patients and public funds.