⏱ 2 min read
Helen Boerman, a 48-year-old optometric physician from Brentwood, Tennessee, defrauded Medicare out of $6.9 million over a period of three-and-a-half years. Boerman, who owned Brentwood Eye Care, submitted false claims to Medicare for new wound care products she had not actually purchased or used. She split wound care products intended for single use and directed her staff to create false records to support the fraudulent claims. The scam occurred between 2020 and 2024, with Boerman submitting approximately $11 million in false claims.
Boerman’s scheme involved submitting claims for services not rendered, including claims for wound care products placed on dates when patients did not have appointments. For example, in May 2022, Boerman submitted claims for two patients who had appointments on only three days, but she claimed services for six days. Her staff created false records to support the fraudulent claims.
Boerman pleaded guilty to her role in the scam and will be sentenced on September 10. In addition to defrauding Medicare, Boerman also made false claims to TennCare, Tennessee’s Medicaid agency, and Federal Employees Health Benefits Programs.
The Department of Justice has made it a priority to eliminate fraud in federal programs and hold fraudsters accountable. This case demonstrates the DOJ’s commitment to investigating and prosecuting those who commit fraud against taxpayers.
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📋 Key Facts
- Crime: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Defendant: Tennessee
- Location: TN
- Source: DOJ Press Release
