Maryland Medicaid fraud led to the sentencing of a former HomeCentris employee over more than $25,000 in false claims. Falguni Patel, 60, received a 5-year sentence after admitting to billing for home health services she did not provide, as noted by Baltimore Chronicle.
False Medicaid claims exceeded $25,000
Patel, a Howard County resident, worked for HomeCentris Healthcare. Prosecutors said she reported providing home healthcare while actually working another job or traveling abroad.
HomeCentris relied on those statements when submitting claims to Maryland Medicaid. The company was previously known as Personal Health Care Inc.
According to the Maryland Attorney General’s official release, Patel pleaded guilty on August 3, 2026. The charge was felony public health fraud.
The case involved several key figures:
- More than $25,000 in fraudulent Medicaid claims.
- $25,310.51 in court-ordered restitution.
- 5 years of imprisonment, with all but time served suspended.
- 3 years of supervised probation.
The sentence was imposed by Judge Garret P. Glennon Jr. in Baltimore County Circuit Court. Patel must repay the full restitution amount.
Anthony Brown says Medicaid fraud drains healthcare resources
Maryland Attorney General Anthony G. Brown said fraudulent claims take money from residents who depend on home healthcare.
“Every fraudulent Medicaid claim drains resources from Marylanders who rely on home healthcare to live safely and with dignity.”
Brown said his office would continue targeting fraud involving the program. The sentencing was also reported by goldmetr.de.
Investigation into Maryland home healthcare fraud continues
The Patel case remains part of a broader investigation into fraudulent home healthcare claims.
| Agency | Role in investigation |
|---|---|
| U.S. Department of Health and Human Services | Federal healthcare oversight |
| FBI | Federal investigation |
| Maryland State Police | State investigative support |
| Maryland Department of Health | Medicaid program oversight |
Maryland’s Medicaid Fraud and Vulnerable Victims Unit is also involved. The Attorney General’s Office said the investigation remains active.
The case shows how billing records can be compared with employment and travel information. Claims for services performed while someone is elsewhere can become direct evidence in a healthcare fraud investigation.
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