TL/DR –
Federal charges have been filed against several individuals for defrauding Minnesota’s Medical Assistance (Medicaid) program, according to Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison. The charges stemmed from a joint state-federal investigation involving Ellison’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit. Among those indicted were principals linked to Smart Therapy Autism Center and Charles Healy Foster Home, who allegedly billed for services not provided or ineligible for payment from Medicaid.
FBI and HHS/OIG Collaborate with AG Ellison’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit
Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison has lauded the federal charges issued against numerous individuals implicated in substantial fraud within Minnesota’s Medical Assistance (Medicaid) services, including the Early Intensive Developmental and Behavioral Intervention (EIDBI) and Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) programs. These charges stem from a joint state-federal investigation involving Ellison’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit (MFCU).
The indictments allege independent fraudulent actions by the accused, who are charged with billing for non-existent or ineligible services under Medicaid. The Minnesota Attorney General’s Office’s MFCU joined forces with the FBI and Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of Inspector General (DHHS/OIG) for these investigations.
The charges were leveled against Shamso Ahmed Hassan, Hanaan Marsal Yusuf and Charles Healy, all linked to Smart Therapy Autism Center, LLC and Charles Healy Foster Home, LLC. Suspected fraudulent actions were uncovered during the Smart Therapy investigation and evidence was gathered by MFCU investigators in collaboration with federal partners.
“These charges are pivotal in our fight against fraud and protection of tax dollars,” commented Attorney General Ellison. “We are thankful for the teamwork with federal law enforcement and our committed MFCU members in prosecuting fraudsters. Fraudulent actions that take advantage of Minnesotan generosity will not be tolerated, and diligent accountability is our mission.”
The Medical Assistance Protection Act, recently passed by the Minnesota Legislature with bipartisan support, will strengthen MFCU operations. It includes budgetary provisions for hiring 18 new employees, expands the legal definition of Medicaid Fraud, increases penalties for severe offenses, and extends the MFCU’s subpoena authority. More details on the MAP Act are available here.
A 2022 audit by the DHHS/OIG showed that Minnesota’s MFCU had the highest conviction rate among similarly sized units over a three-year period. The Medicaid Fraud Control Unit is primarily funded (75%) by a $5,078,704 grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services for FY 2026, with the remaining 25% ($1,692,898) provided by the State of Minnesota.
It is worth noting that an indictment is simply an accusation, and the accused are considered innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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