LifeWorks Counseling Associates, False Claims Act, New Hampshire 2025

Telehealth Company Settles False Claims Act Allegations

CONCORD – A New Hampshire telehealth company has agreed to pay $300,000 to resolve allegations that it improperly billed Medicaid for services provided by an individual excluded from the Medicaid program.

LifeWorks Counseling Associates, PLLC and its owner Dr. David Ferruolo have entered into a settlement agreement with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Hampshire, where they will pay $300,000 to resolve allegations that they violated the False Claims Act.

The allegations stem from the company’s submission of claims and receipt of reimbursement from Medicaid for services provided by Erik Alonso, who was excluded from federal health care programs by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the Inspector General (“HHS-OIG”) at the time such services were provided.

According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, HHS-OIG has advised health care providers to check the List of Excluded Individuals/Entities on the HHS-OIG web site in order to avoid potential liability.

Lifeworks is a telehealth mental health provider based in New Hampshire. Erik Alonso pleaded guilty to one count of healthcare fraud on October 23, 2025.

“A provider is federally excluded from being paid to give healthcare for good reasons, such as prior fraud, criminal convictions, or patient abuse,” said U.S. Attorney Erin Creegan. “To protect the public, we will hold accountable those who violate healthcare exclusions.”

The U.S. Attorney’s Office, along with the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section, handled the criminal prosecution of Erik Alonso. LifeWorks and Ferullo fully cooperated in the parallel criminal investigation.

The case was investigated by HHS-OIG and the FBI. The case was handled by Civil Chief Raphael Katz.

No admission of liability was made by the defendants.

Defendant: LifeWorks Counseling Associates, PLLC and Dr. David Ferruolo

Criminal Charges: Violating the False Claims Act

City and State: Concord, New Hampshire

Exact Date: N/A

Sentence or Outcome: Paid $300,000 in settlement

Dollar Amount: $300,000

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