Definitions of fraud, waste and abuse

Definitions are a little different depending on which plan you have.

Page last updated on: 4/09/26

Definitions used by most Priority Health plans, including Priority Health Medicare

Fraud

Fraud means an intentional deception, misrepresentation, false statement(s) or false representation of material facts with the knowledge that the deception could result in unauthorized benefit or payment for which no entitlement would otherwise exist. These acts may be committed either for the person's own benefit or for the benefit of some other party. It includes any act that constitutes fraud under applicable Federal or State law.

Waste

Waste refers to the extra costs that happen when health care services are overused or when bills for services are prepared incorrectly. Unlike fraud, waste is usually caused by mistake rather than illegal or intentionally wrongful actions.

Abuse

Abuse means practices that are inconsistent with sound fiscal, business or medical practices and result in an unnecessary cost to Priority Health or in reimbursement for services that are not medically necessary, violation of an agreement or certificate of coverage, or that fail to meet professionally recognized standards for health care. It includes member, employer group, agent or provider practices that result in unnecessary cost to the Priority Health.


Definitions used by the Medicaid plan

Fraud

Intentional deception or misrepresentation made by a person with the knowledge that the deception could result in some unauthorized benefit to himself or some other person. It includes any act that constitutes fraud under applicable Federal or State law (42 CFR § 455.2)

Waste

The overutilization of services or practices that result in unnecessary costs. Waste also refers to useless consumption or expenditure without adequate return.

Abuse

Provider practices that are inconsistent with sound fiscal, business or medical practices, and result in an unnecessary cost to the Medicaid program, or in reimbursement for services that are not medically necessary or that fail to meet professionally recognized standards for health care. It also includes recipient practices that result in unnecessary cost to the Medicaid program. (42 CFR § 455.2)