United States Attorney Damian Williams has announced a severe blow to healthcare fraud in New York. Mariana Levin, the owner of two Brooklyn-based home health agencies, has been sentenced to 54 months in prison for her pivotal role in a scheme that defrauded Medicaid out of over $100 million.
Levin’s fraudulent activities began around 2015 and continued until December 2020. She ran the show at Agency-1 and later opened Agency-2, billing Medicaid for home health and personal care services that were never actually rendered. This theft of resources was particularly egregious as it came during a period when New York State had seen its spending on home care triple, from $4.8 billion in 2013 to 2019.
Under Levin’s direction, the Agencies paid wages to “no-show” cases—cases where Aides claimed they were providing services while actually engaging in personal activities. These funds often found their way into the hands of both the no-show patients and conspirators who referred such cases. Levin herself pocketed over $5 million from this scheme.
Today’s sentence, handed down by Judge John P. Cronan, sends a clear message that healthcare fraud will not be tolerated. “For years, Marianna Levin defrauded taxpayers through her massive home health scheme,” Williams stated. “Today’s sentence shows the stiff penalties faced by those who engage in such schemes.”
According to federal court statements and filings, Levin and her co-conspirators bilked Medicaid by opening two licensed home care service agencies in Brooklyn. The Agencies employed approximately 3,000 aides, most of whom were licensed to provide home health aide services and personal care services.
Judge Cronan emphasized the seriousness of Levin’s involvement and the need to deter others from similar fraudulent activities. “The losses caused by this fraud are significant, and it is imperative that we protect our healthcare system and ensure resources go where they are needed most,” he said.”
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Key Facts
- State: New York
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes|Public Corruption
- Source: Official Source ↗
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