A Connecticut woman has been arrested for allegedly scamming Medicaid out of nearly $80,000.
Dr. Jeannie Pasacreta, 61, has been charged with one count each of first-degree larceny by defrauding a public community, health insurance fraud, and first-degree identity theft, according to The Newtown Bee. The Connecticut Chief State’s Attorney’s Office (CSAO) alleged that Pasacreta charged Medicaid for services she never provided.
Authorities learned of the alleged fraud through a tip provided by a former employee of Pasacreta’s business, Integrated Mental Health Services. The tipster told investigators that Pasacreta received “very large” payments from Medicaid despite the fact that she “barely works” and was “constantly canceling” appointments, the Bee reported.
According to the CSAO, a subsequent investigation found that over a two-year period beginning in 2016, Pasacreta sent hundreds of claims to Medicaid for services she never actually provided. The CSAO alleged that she received $79,418.77 more in Medicaid payments than she was entitled to.
If convicted, Pasacreta faces up to 45 years in prison.
