(a) Whoever, in any matter involving a health care benefit program,
knowingly and willfully—
(1) falsifies, conceals, or covers up by any trick, scheme, or device
a material fact; or
(2) makes
any materially false, fictitious, or fraudulent statements or representations,
or makes or uses any materially false writing or document knowing the same to
contain any materially false, fictitious, or fraudulent statement or entry,
in connection with the delivery of or payment for health
care benefits, items, or services, shall be fined under this title or imprisoned
not more than 5 years, or both.
(b) As
used in this section, the term “health care benefit program” has the meaning
given such term in section 24 (b) of this title.