Mental Health Fraud Could Result in 60-Year Prison Term

The owner of adult day care centers pleaded guilty to submitting false claims to Medicare for psychotherapy services that were not provided.  He faces a possible sentence of 60 years in prison, a $1.5 million fine, and mandatory exclusion from Medicare and other government healthcare programs.

Marcus Jenkins owned and operated two adult day care centers and several adult foster care homes (AFCs) that housed severely mentally-disabled Medicare recipients.   The government alleges that Jenkins and his wife used the Medicare identification information of more than 100 residents to bill Medicare for individual and group psychotherapy services that were never provided.

The government alleged that Jenkins and others submitted more than 185,000 false Medicare claims totaling more than $13.2 million for group and individual psychotherapy sessions that were not provided.  The phantom billing scheme allegedly included billing for services provided to a patient who was deceased on the dates of claimed service.

Jenkins admitted that he and others conspired to defraud Medicare by billing for services not rendered.  He pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit health care fraud and five counts of health care fraud.

The government aggressively investigates and prosecutes allegations healthcare providers billing for services not provided.  If you are under investigation or have been charged with a crime, then you should consult with an experienced Medicaid and Medicare fraud lawyer immediately.  Do not try to handle this on your own.

The government also goes after everyone connected with the fraud.  In this case, Jenkins’ wife and a physician who worked for their companies are also facing criminal prosecution.  If you are aware that your employer is submitting false claims to Medicare or Medicaid, then you are at serious risk of criminal prosecution.  You need to consult with an experienced Medicare and Medicaid fraud attorney immediately to protect yourself.

To arrange a free and confidential consultation, call John Howley, Esq. at (917) 652-6504 or click here to contact our office via email.

John Howley, Esq.

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