Physician Sentenced to Prison for Medicare Fraud Scheme

A California physician was sentenced to 54 months in prison for her role in a Medicare fraud scheme that resulted in over $1.4 million in false claims.

Lilit Gagikovna Baltaian, 61, of Porter Ranch, was a licensed physician in California and an enrolled Medicare provider. Between January 2012 and July 2018, she falsely certified patients to receive home health care from at least four Los Angeles area home health agencies.

The certifications were used by the home health agencies to submit fraudulent claims to Medicare, resulting in a loss to the government estimated at $1,497,159.64. Baltaian received cash payments related to these referrals and also separately billed Medicare for signing the fraudulent certifications.

Baltaian pleaded guilty to one count of health care fraud on November 21, 2024. At sentencing, she was also ordered to pay $1,497,159.64 in restitution.

The case was investigated by the FBI and the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). Trial Attorney Matthew Belz of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section is prosecuting the case.

Since March 2007, the Health Care Fraud Strike Force Program has charged over 5,800 defendants who collectively have billed federal health care programs and private insurers more than $30 billion.

Baltaian’s sentencing is a significant blow to those involved in Medicare fraud schemes. The government is committed to holding accountable those who exploit the healthcare system for personal gain.

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