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$5.2 Million Medicare Fraud Scheme Unfolds in Houston
A shocking tale of deceit and corruption has come to light in Houston, Texas, as 49-year-old Cynthia Garza-Williams, a patient recruiter for Family Healthcare Group, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit healthcare fraud.
Garza-Williams, who faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison at sentencing on April 18, 2011, admitted to giving cash-filled envelopes to a medical doctor in exchange for signing plans of care for home health care services that were not medically necessary.
The scheme, which spanned several months, resulted in Family Group being paid approximately $5.2 million by Medicare based on the submission of fraudulent claims.
Family Group, a Houston-based home health care company, purported to provide skilled nursing to Medicare beneficiaries. However, the company used the Medicare beneficiary numbers to submit claims for skilled nursing that was medically unnecessary and/or not provided.
The guilty plea was announced by Assistant Attorney General Lanny A. Breuer, U.S. Attorney José Angel Moreno of the Southern District of Texas, and other officials.
As part of the Medicare Fraud Strike Force, this case is being prosecuted by Trial Attorneys Charles D. Reed and Sam S. Sheldon of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section.
Since 2007, Medicare Fraud Strike Force operations have obtained indictments of over 825 individuals who have collectively falsely billed the Medicare program for more than $2 billion.
To learn more about the Health Care Fraud Prevention and Enforcement Action Team (HEAT), visit www.stopmedicarefraud.gov.
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Key Facts
- State: Federal
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release ↗
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