and Abuse Practice Test 2026-2027 | 100
Exam Questions with Answers &
Explanations | CMS Compliance
Certification Prep
Description:
Master the 2026-2027 AHIP Medicare + Fraud, Waste, and Abuse (FWA) certification
exam with this comprehensive test bank of 100 original practice questions. Each question
includes detailed answers and expert explanations aligned with current CMS compliance
standards. Perfect for Medicare Advantage and Part D plan sponsors, FDRs, pharmacy
staff, and healthcare compliance professionals.
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, AHIP Medicare FWA Practice Test 2026-2027 | 100 Questions
Section I: Foundational Concepts – Definitions and Distinctions
1. Which of the following requires intent to obtain payment and the knowledge that the
actions are wrong?
A. Waste
B. Abuse
C. Fraud
D. Negligence
Answer: C. Fraud
Explanation: Fraud is distinguished from waste and abuse by the presence of intent and
knowing misconduct. Fraud involves deliberate deception or misrepresentation made with the
knowledge that the actions are wrong, with the specific intent to secure payment or benefit to
which the party is not entitled. Waste involves the overuse of services that result in
unnecessary costs without intentional deception. Abuse involves payment for items or
services when there is no legal entitlement, but without knowingly or intentionally
misrepresenting facts to obtain payment.
2. Which of the following best describes "waste" within the context of Medicare Parts C
and D?
A. Knowingly submitting false claims to the Government
B. Any misuse of resources, such as overuse of services, that directly or indirectly results in
unnecessary costs to the Medicare Program
C. Payment for items or services when there is no legal entitlement to that payment and the
provider has intentionally misrepresented facts
D. Offering kickbacks in exchange for referrals
Answer: B. Any misuse of resources, such as overuse of services, that directly or indirectly
results in unnecessary costs to the Medicare Program
Explanation: Waste is defined as the misuse of resources, including the overuse of services
or other practices that directly or indirectly result in unnecessary costs to the Medicare
,Program. Unlike fraud, waste does not require intent or knowledge that the actions are wrong.
It often results from inefficient practices, lack of proper oversight, or systemic failures rather
than deliberate misconduct.
3. Which scenario would be classified as "abuse" rather than "fraud"?
A. A provider bills Medicare for services never rendered to a beneficiary
B. A provider submits claims for medically unnecessary services without intentionally
misrepresenting facts
C. A pharmacy technician alters prescription quantities to increase reimbursement
D. A beneficiary uses another person's Medicare card to obtain services
Answer: B. A provider submits claims for medically unnecessary services without
intentionally misrepresenting facts
Explanation: Abuse involves payment for items or services when there is no legal
entitlement to that payment, but the provider has not knowingly and/or intentionally
misrepresented facts to obtain payment. Options A, C, and D describe fraudulent activities
because they involve intentional deception and knowledge of wrongdoing. Abuse typically
involves practices that are inconsistent with sound medical, business, or fiscal practices and
result in unnecessary costs to the Medicare program.
4. Bribes or kickbacks of any kind for services paid under a Federal healthcare
program (including Medicare):
A. Are acceptable if disclosed to the beneficiary
B. Constitute fraud by the person making as well as the person receiving them
C. Are only prohibited if the amount exceeds $1,000
D. Are permissible if both parties consent
Answer: B. Constitute fraud by the person making as well as the person receiving them
Explanation: Bribes or kickbacks of any kind for services that are paid under a Federal
healthcare program constitute fraud by both the person making the payment and the person
receiving it. The Anti-Kickback Statute is a criminal law that prohibits the knowing and
willful payment of remuneration to induce or reward patient referrals or the generation of
, business involving any item or service payable by Federal healthcare programs. There is no
minimum dollar threshold for this prohibition.
5. Which of the following is an example of fraud under the False Claims Act?
A. A provider bills for a higher-level service than was actually performed due to a clerical
error
B. A provider knowingly submits claims for services that were never provided
C. A pharmacy dispenses a generic medication when the prescription specified a brand-name
drug without informing the patient
D. A provider orders medically unnecessary tests due to defensive medicine practices
Answer: B. A provider knowingly submits claims for services that were never provided
Explanation: The False Claims Act imposes liability on persons who knowingly submit false
claims to the Government. Knowingly submitting claims for services never rendered is a
quintessential example of fraud. Option A describes an error that may constitute abuse or
require correction but lacks the intent element of fraud. Option C may involve patient
communication issues but is not necessarily fraud unless done with intent to deceive. Option
D describes waste or abuse resulting from practice patterns rather than intentional deception.
Section II: Compliance Programs – Requirements and Core Elements
6. Medicare Parts C and D plan Sponsors are required to have a compliance program.
A. True
B. False
Answer: A. True
Explanation: All Part C and Part D plan sponsors are required to have an effective program
to prevent, detect, and correct non-compliance and fraud, waste, and abuse. These programs
must consist of written policies, procedures, and standards that articulate the organization's
commitment to complying with all applicable federal and state standards, including the
prevention and detection of fraud and abuse.