News Summary
A 59-year-old healthcare worker, Jacqueline Burgess, has been arrested for Medicaid fraud after allegedly submitting false timesheets while working as a care attendant. The investigation revealed she falsely claimed to provide care to a Medicaid beneficiary between December 2023 and June 2024. The fraud was reported by Tender Care Home Health Care, where Burgess was employed. If convicted, she faces serious penalties, highlighting the ongoing issues of Medicaid fraud that endanger vulnerable populations.
SCRANTON, Florence County – A healthcare worker has been arrested for alleged Medicaid fraud following an investigation by the Vulnerable Adults and Medicaid Provider Fraud (VAMPF) unit of the South Carolina Attorney General’s Office. Jacqueline Burgess, a 59-year-old resident of Scranton, is facing one count of medical assistance provider fraud for allegedly submitting false timesheets while employed as a care attendant with Tender Care Home Health Care.
According to investigators, the fraudulent activities took place between December 2023 and June 2024. During this time, Burgess reportedly claimed to have provided care services to a Medicaid beneficiary, despite allegedly not having performed such services. The false documentation consisted of timesheets that misrepresented her hours worked and services rendered.
Tender Care Home Health Care discovered the irregularities and took action by reporting the alleged fraud to law enforcement. The company has been cooperative throughout the investigative process. The charge against Burgess has been classified as a misdemeanor, which carries serious consequences should she be found guilty.
If convicted, Burgess could face a maximum penalty of three years in prison in addition to a fine not exceeding $1,000. She is currently being held at the Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center, located in Richland County. The case will be prosecuted by the South Carolina Attorney General’s Office, which is responsible for overseeing such legal matters in the state.
Medicaid fraud is a significant issue that costs taxpayers billions of dollars annually. It involves illegal billing practices and misrepresentation of services provided to beneficiaries, putting vulnerable individuals at risk. The VAMPF unit plays a crucial role in addressing these fraudulent activities, ensuring that individuals and organizations comply with Medicaid rules and regulations.
Florence County’s involvement in this case highlights ongoing efforts by state authorities to scrutinize healthcare behaviors and safeguard the integrity of the Medicaid program. Through rigorous investigations and a commitment to prosecuting fraud, the Attorney General’s Office aims to deter others from similar fraudulent activities.
Jacqueline Burgess’s case serves as a reminder of the importance of accountability in healthcare services, particularly in programs designed to assist those in need. As the investigation and legal proceedings continue, the state will closely monitor the case, reinforcing its stance against Medicaid fraud and protecting the interests of beneficiaries throughout South Carolina.
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Additional Resources
- WBTW News
- Google Search: Medicaid fraud
- WMBF News
- Wikipedia: Medicaid
- WPDE News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Health care
- KULR8 News
Author: STAFF HERE FLORENCE WRITER
The FLORENCE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREFlorence.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Florence, Florence County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Florence Festival of Lights, Pee Dee Pride, and agricultural expos at the Florence Center. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Florence Regional Chamber of Commerce and the Pee Dee Area Council of Governments, plus leading businesses in healthcare and retail that power the local economy such as McLeod Health and Pee Dee Electric Cooperative. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECharleston.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGreenville.com, and HEREHiltonHead.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
