Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody's Medicaid Fraud Control Unit has made an arrest in a case of Medicaid provider fraud. Leslie Diane Minor, owner of Minors Helping Hands Support Services, has been accused of defrauding the Florida Medicaid program by billing for services that were never rendered to disabled adult patients. The alleged scheme caused a loss of over $12,000 to Florida Medicaid.
Attorney General Ashley Moody expressed her concern over the situation, stating, "This home and community-based services provider overbilled Medicaid by more than $12,000. Her company billed for services not rendered to disabled adult patients for over a year and a half. Our Medicaid Fraud Control Unit put a stop to her scheme ripping off taxpayers and the Medicaid program."
According to the investigation, Minor's company, based in Jacksonville, provided day training for adults with developmental disabilities. However, it was discovered that from June 2019 through December 2022, Minor billed for services that were never provided to four Medicaid recipients, resulting in a total loss to Medicaid of $12,335.
The arrest of Leslie Diane Minor was carried out with the assistance of the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office. Minor now faces one count of Medicaid provider fraud, a second-degree felony. The case will be prosecuted by Attorney General Moody's Medicaid Fraud Control Unit in collaboration with the State Attorney's Office for the Fourth Judicial Circuit.
The Florida Attorney General's Medicaid Fraud Control Unit is dedicated to investigating and prosecuting providers who intentionally defraud the state's Medicaid program through fraudulent billing practices. Medicaid fraud not only hurts the program but also steals from Florida taxpayers. In addition to fraud, the unit also investigates allegations of patient abuse, neglect, and exploitation in facilities that receive Medicaid payments.
Funding for the Florida Medicaid Fraud Control Unit comes from a grant of $29,707,695 for Federal Fiscal Year 2024, provided by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services-Office of Inspector General. The grant is divided into a Federal Share of 75%, amounting to $22,280,772, and a State Matching Share of 25%, totaling $7,426,923, which is funded by Florida.
This arrest serves as a reminder that the Florida Attorney General's Office remains committed to protecting the integrity of the Medicaid program and ensuring that taxpayer funds are used appropriately. Medicaid fraud will not be tolerated, and those who engage in such activities will be held accountable.
To learn more, click on this link: https://www.myfloridalegal.com/newsrelease/ag-moody-announces-arrest-service-provider-disabled-patients-medicaid-fraud