⏱ 2 min read
A mother-daughter duo from San Diego, Blanca Estela Cardenas and Raquel Pasillas, allegedly carried out a scheme to bill Medicare for $9.5 million in fake wound care services between April and October 2024, while Cardenas was serving time in federal prison. The duo submitted claims under Cardenas’ National Provider Identifier, falsely representing that she was the rendering provider for the services. Despite Cardenas’ incarceration, the businesses continued to operate, with Pasillas providing medical services to Medicare beneficiaries, including wound care and costly skin substitute allografts.
The scheme resulted in the defendants receiving approximately $5.5 million in reimbursements from Medicare. The indictment alleges that the pair diverted fraud proceeds for personal use, including over $4.7 million in cash withdrawals, deposits into their personal bank accounts, and rent payments for Cardenas’ residence while she remained in custody.
The charges are part of the Department of Justice’s 2026 National Health Care Fraud Takedown. U.S. Attorney Adam Gordon stated that every dollar stolen through health care fraud is a dollar taken from patient care. The investigation was conducted by federal authorities, including the FBI.
The case highlights the ongoing efforts of law enforcement to combat health care fraud and protect Medicare beneficiaries. The mother-daughter duo’s alleged scheme is a prime example of the type of fraudulent activity that can have serious consequences for both patients and taxpayers.
📋 Key Facts
- Crime: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Defendant: California
- Location: CA
- Source: DOJ Press Release
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