Which act allows the government to investigate fraud cases?

The False Claims Act is designed specifically to combat fraud against the federal government, especially in programs like Medicare and Medicaid. It provides the government with the authority to investigate and prosecute individuals or entities that submit false claims for payment or reimbursement. This act allows whistleblowers to report fraudulent activities and allows them to file lawsuits on behalf of the government, receiving a portion of any recovered funds as a reward. The legal framework established by the False Claims Act empowers the government to take decisive action against fraud, ensuring accountability and protecting public funds.

In contrast, while the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act deals with the privacy and security of health information, it does not have provisions for investigating fraud cases. The Balanced Budget Act focuses on fiscal management and budgetary processes and doesn’t specifically address fraud investigations. Lastly, the Affordable Care Act primarily aims to expand healthcare coverage and improve health systems but is not designed as a tool for investigating fraud. Hence, the False Claims Act stands out as the legislation that specifically grants the government the ability to investigate fraud cases.