The Texas Attorney General's Medicaid Fraud Control Unit (MFCU) has successfully secured a 14-year prison sentence for Audu Ozigi, a home health fraudster, and over $11 million in restitution. Ozigi was found guilty of conspiracy to commit healthcare fraud and healthcare fraud for falsifying patient files and fraudulently billing Medicare and Medicaid for home health services.
The sentencing was carried out by a Houston federal court, which imposed 168 months of federal incarceration on Ozigi, followed by three years of supervised release. Additionally, Ozigi was ordered to repay over $11 million to government healthcare programs.
Attorney General Ken Paxton expressed his satisfaction with the outcome, stating, "This deceptive scheme not only defrauded our health care system but also exploited taxpayer dollars intended to fund genuine health needs." He commended the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit for their dedicated work and reiterated their commitment to protecting the integrity of the healthcare system and ensuring that fraudsters face the consequences of their actions.
Ozigi was an operator of home health agencies owned by his co-conspirator Margaret Arise. Together, they conspired with others to falsify patient files, pay marketers, and offer kickbacks to referring physicians for signing unnecessary home health orders. They systematically submitted claims to government healthcare programs for services that were not provided or medically required.
The investigation into this fraudulent scheme was led by Lieutenant Erika Yates, Investigative Auditor Shen Wang, and Captain Stacey Overbay of the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, in collaboration with the Department of Health and Human Services' Office of Inspector General and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case was successfully prosecuted by the United States Attorney's Office in Houston.
The MFCU's mission is to ensure that those who exploit the healthcare system for personal profit are brought to justice. They aggressively pursue individuals involved in healthcare fraud, safeguard taxpayer funds, and uphold the integrity of vital healthcare programs. Since 2021, the MFCU has recovered an impressive $612 million for Texas taxpayers.
Medicaid fraud is a significant issue in Texas, with the program costing taxpayers $48 billion annually. Federal and industry authorities estimate that fraud makes up to ten percent of the Medicaid program's costs, resulting in a more than $4 billion problem for Texas taxpayers.
To support their efforts, the MFCU receives 75 percent of its funding from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, totaling $20,944,200 for fiscal year 2023. The remaining 25 percent, amounting to $6,981,395, is funded by the State of Texas.
If anyone suspects Medicaid fraud, abuse, or patient neglect, they are encouraged to report it through the OAG's website.
This successful prosecution highlights the commitment of the Texas Attorney General's Medicaid Fraud Control Unit to hold fraudsters accountable, protect taxpayer funds, and maintain the integrity of healthcare programs.
For additional details, please follow this link: https://www.texasattorneygeneral.gov/news/releases/attorney-general-ken-paxtons-medicaid-fraud-control-unit-secures-14-year-prison-sentence-home-health