Supreme Court of the United States
Fischer v. United States
May 15, 2000529 U.S. 667
Summary
The Supreme Court affirmed Fischer's conviction, holding that federal payments to a health care provider under the Medicare program constitute 'benefits' under 18 U.S.C. § 666(b). The Court reasoned that Medicare ensures quality care and provider stability through regulatory requirements and financial assistance, distinguishing it from ordinary market contracts. Justice Thomas, dissenting, would have held that Medicare payments are merely reimbursement for services, not benefits to providers.