### Question
How is the "health care benefit program" defined?


### Answer
The term **health care benefit program** is defined in *18 U.S.C. § 24* as follows -

> any public or private plan or contract, affecting commerce, under which any medical benefit, item, or service is provided to any individual, and includes any individual or entity who is providing a medical benefit, item, or service for which payment may be made under the plan or contract

#### Citation:
  - *18 U.S.C. § 24*
  - Heading: **PART I-CRIMES > CHAPTER 1-GENERAL PROVISIONS**

