Woman Faces Up To 90 Years in Prison for Medicaid Fraud

A woman who owns a home health care agency in Jacksonville, Florida, was arrested on charges of stealing more than $400,000 from Medicaid.

Edna Lorraine Watkins allegedly filed false claims with Medicaid for services provided under Florida’s Aged and Disabled Adult Waiver Program.

The program provides home and community-based services to elderly and permanently disabled adults who would otherwise require nursing home care.  The services are designed to help the recipient remain in the community for as long as possible.

Services that may be provided include: personal care, case management, adult day health care, counseling, physical therapy, caregiver training and support, emergency alert response, home-delivered meals, environmental modification, health risk management, speech therapy, and occupational therapy.

Ms. Watkins is accused of phantom billing, or billing Medicaid for services that were not provided, and billing for services to recipients who were not eligible for Medicaid.  The government claims that some of the alleged recipients of her services were in jail at the time she claims to have provided them services in their homes or communities.

She is also accused of falsifying her application to become a Medicaid provider by concealing prior felony convictions and using a false social security number.

The penalties for this type of home health fraud are harsh.  She faces up to 90 years in prison.

If you are under investigation or have been charged with Medicaid fraud or abuse, then you should consult with an experienced Medicaid fraud attorney immediately.

An experienced Medicaid fraud attorney can help you understand the charges, develop your defenses, and negotiate with the government.  Often, criminal charges can be avoided or minimized, but only if you act immediately.  Do not speak with investigators until you have consulted an experienced Medicaid fraud attorney.

To arrange a free and confidential consultation, call John Howley, Esq. at (212) 601-2728 or click here to reach our offices via email.

John Howley, Esq.

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