Veronica Katz, the owner of HealthNow Home Healthcare and Hospice, was sentenced to two years in federal prison for health care fraud. The sentence was delivered by U.S. District Judge James Donato. Katz, 36, from San Francisco, must also pay $543,634.34 in restitution.
Katz was indicted alongside two co-defendants on October 17, 2023. She pleaded guilty on April 18, 2024, to one count of health care fraud. Her agency provided in-home medical care and billed Medicare and private insurers for these services. However, she submitted false documentation to obtain reimbursements improperly.
The plea agreement detailed her fraudulent activities involving the misuse of licensed medical practitioners' identities and unauthorized billing practices. She directed unqualified individuals to complete required forms and manipulated records to falsely indicate registered nurses had completed patient assessments.
Katz also attempted to obstruct an investigation by instructing an employee to lie about their training when questioned by FBI agents regarding the company's practices.
United States Attorney Ismail J. Ramsey announced the sentencing along with FBI Special Agent Robert K. Tripp and HHS-OIG Special Agent Steven J. Ryan.
In addition to imprisonment and restitution, Katz received a three-year supervised release term and a $50,000 fine. Her sentence begins on January 6, 2025.
Co-defendant Vennesa Herrera has pleaded guilty to related charges and will be sentenced on March 17, 2025. Simon Katz's trial is set for May 12, 2025.
Assistant United States Attorney Christiaan Highsmith leads the prosecution with assistance from Helen Yee and Mark DiCenzo following investigations by multiple agencies including the FBI and HHS-OIG.