A reader who wishes to remain anonymous writes, “Chris, I worked in the accounting department of a health care provider.  Last year, my company discovered it had been using the wrong billing code for a key service when submitting Medicare reimbursement requests.  This resulted in the government paying substantially more for the service than it should have.  My supervisor directed me to compile a list of the overcharges for senior management.  The company remedied the error for new reimbursement requests but never informed the government of the overpayments.

Two weeks ago, I sent an email to my supervisor asking why the company had not reported the billing error.  I was told the matter had been resolved and not to raise the issue again.  I would know if the company reimbursed Medicare for the overcharges.  No payment was made.  Last week, I was laid off without notice.  I believe it was because I complained about the Medicare overcharges.  I did not have a contract and they refused to give me any severance pay.  What can I do?”