Attorney General Ashley Moody expressed her dismay at the actions of Debora Behnke and Suman Bhattacharjee, who were arrested for their involvement in a Medicaid fraud scheme that siphoned off over $250,000 from the Medicaid program. Moody highlighted the severity of the situation, stating, “Conspiring together, these individuals defrauded Medicaid out of more than $250,000." She commended the collaborative efforts of various law enforcement agencies that led to the apprehension of the culprits, emphasizing that the fraudulent scheme has now come to an end.
The Medicaid Fraud Control Unit's investigation revealed that Behnke and Bhattacharjee were billing for trips that never occurred and manipulating vulnerable Medicaid recipients into unnecessary daily trips across the state in exchange for monetary incentives. The duo encouraged recipients to relocate, disregarding their best interests, and then overcharged Medicaid for the transportation services rendered.
Behnke and Bhattacharjee are facing serious charges, with each of them being charged with one count of Medicaid provider fraud and one count of scheme to defraud, both classified as first-degree felonies. The case will be prosecuted by the State Attorney’s Office in the 18th Judicial Circuit.
The Florida Attorney General’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, responsible for investigating and prosecuting Medicaid fraud, plays a crucial role in safeguarding taxpayer funds. The unit also delves into allegations of patient abuse, neglect, and exploitation in facilities receiving Medicaid payments. The funding for the Florida MFCU, amounting to $29,707,695 for Federal Fiscal Year 2024, is sourced from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services-Office of Inspector General, with the state of Florida contributing 25% of the funds.
The collaborative efforts of law enforcement agencies and the diligent work of investigative units like the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit serve as a deterrent to individuals attempting to defraud essential public programs like Medicaid.