If providers fail to refund overpayments, they may face prosecution under which act?

The False Claims Act is designed to protect the government from fraud committed by healthcare providers and contractors. When providers receive overpayments from Medicare, Medicaid, or other government programs, they have a legal obligation to return those funds. Failing to do so can be viewed as a form of fraud because it can be interpreted as knowingly retaining money that was not owed to them.

Under the terms of the False Claims Act, if a provider is found to have knowingly submitted false claims or has retained overpayments, they are subject to significant penalties, including fines and possible criminal prosecution. This act encourages entities dealing with federal funds to ensure compliance and accountability in their billing practices.

The other options do not pertain specifically to the handling of overpayments in the same manner as the False Claims Act. The Healthcare Accountability Act, Medicaid Transparency Act, and Patient Protection Act address different aspects of healthcare regulation and compliance but do not directly impose penalties related to the failure to refund overpayments like the False Claims Act does.