Community Health Care Solutions, LLC, and the estate of its former owner, Yolanda Burnom, have agreed to pay $4.6 million to resolve allegations of the submission of false claims to Medicaid. The settlement, announced by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Louisiana, addresses improper billing practices involving personal care services provided to Medicaid beneficiaries.
This civil settlement resolves allegations—but does not determine liability—under the federal False Claims Act.
Allegations Against Community Health Care Solutions
According to the United States, between January 2018 and November 2021, Community Health Care Solutions and Burnom submitted Medicaid claims for personal care services that violated multiple state and federal requirements. These allegations include:
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Billing for services not actually provided
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Using caregivers who were unqualified, improperly supervised, or excluded from participation in federal healthcare programs
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Billing for services when beneficiaries were hospitalized and unable to receive care
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Maintaining false, inconsistent, or inadequate documentation to support billed services
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Representing that services met state supervision standards when they allegedly did not
These allegations involve the submission of false claims to Medicaid, resulting in wrongful payments from Louisiana’s Medicaid program.
Criminal Case Against Former Owner
In a separate criminal proceeding, Burnom previously pleaded guilty to theft of public funds for Medicaid fraud involving personal care services. That criminal case is unrelated to the resolution of the civil allegations but involved similar misconduct.
Whistleblower Helped Expose the Fraud
This settlement originated from a qui tam (whistleblower) lawsuit filed under the False Claims Act. Under this statute, private individuals may bring lawsuits on behalf of the federal government when they uncover fraud involving taxpayer funds.
As part of the settlement, the whistleblower who reported the misconduct will receive approximately $1.15 million.
Whistleblowers remain one of the most effective tools for uncovering fraud in government-funded healthcare programs.
Government Emphasizes Protection of Public Funds
Federal prosecutors and investigators stressed that Medicaid beneficiaries deserve properly documented and supervised care, and that taxpayer resources must be used in accordance with state and federal law. The settlement reinforces the government’s commitment to maintaining the integrity of Medicaid-funded services.
Reporting Medicaid Fraud
Individuals with knowledge of suspicious billing, unqualified caregivers, or false documentation in Medicaid programs are encouraged to report the misconduct. Reports can be made through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services fraud hotline at 800-HHS-TIPS (800-447-8477).
Contact The Whistleblower Advocates Today
If you have information about fraudulent billing practices, including the submission of false claims to Medicaid, The Whistleblower Advocates team in New Jersey can help. Our attorneys offer free and confidential consultations to evaluate potential False Claims Act cases and guide whistleblowers through the reporting process while protecting their rights.
If you suspect fraud involving Medicaid or other government-funded healthcare programs, do not hesitate to reach out and learn how you can help protect taxpayer dollars and uphold the integrity of public healthcare systems.
Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdla/pr/community-health-care-solutions-llc-and-estate-yolanda-burnom-agree-pay-46-million?link_id=11&can_id=f87aac00a044a0da0c451889dc4f075a&source=email-sec-plans-to-cut-regional-directors-sources-say&email_referrer=email_2646665___from_3157285&email_subject=fraud-in-america-why-whistleblowers-are-key-to-protecting-investors
This article is a news article for informational purposes only. The Whistleblower Advocates did not represent the parties identified in the story above.
