Healthcare Worker Arrested for Medicaid Fraud in Scranton

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