AGO files Medicaid Fraud charges in Thurston County

Woman billed Medicaid in Washington more than $87,000 while living in Nevada

OLYMPIA — The Attorney General’s Office on Friday filed charges in Thurston County Superior Court against a woman the state alleges billed Washington Medicaid for more than $87,000 in healthcare provider services while living in Nevada.
 
Prosecutors with the Attorney General’s Office Medicaid Fraud Control Unit (MFCU) charged Peggy Ruth Kerr with one count of First Degree Theft and one count of Medicaid False Statement.

 The state alleges that from 2007 to 2013 Kerr failed to disclose and intentionally concealed information from the Medicaid program that would have affected Kerr’s ability to continue to be a paid healthcare provider in Clark County, Wash.  She is alleged to have stolen a total of $87,462.

 The case was investigated by MFCU investigator David Fenn. It will be prosecuted by Assistant Attorney General Marty Raap.

The Attorney General's MFCU is responsible for the investigation and prosecution of healthcare provider fraud committed against the state’s Medicaid program. In addition, the unit coordinates the investigation and prosecution of abuse and neglect, involving vulnerable adults residing in Medicaid funded residential facilities, with local law enforcement authorities through a statewide contact network.

• Report suspected Medicaid fraud: 1-800-562-6906 or send an email to HotTips@hca.wa.gov.
•  You can also report provider fraud via the Attorney General’s Office Web site.

The Department of Social and Health Services Office of Fraud & Accountability investigates client fraud.  You can report Medicaid Client Fraud via the Department’s Online Complaint Form, call the Welfare Fraud Hotline at 1-800-562-6906 or send the complaint to Welfare Fraud Hotline, P.O. Box 45817, Olympia, Washington 98504-5817.

-30-

The Office of the Attorney General is the chief legal office for the state of Washington with attorneys and staff in 27 divisions across the state providing legal services to roughly 200 state agencies, boards and commissions. Attorney General Bob Ferguson is working hard to protect consumers and seniors against fraud, keep our communities safe, protect our environment and stand up for our veterans. Visit www.atg.wa.gov to learn more.

 
Contact:

•  Janelle Guthrie, Director of Communications
•  Alison Dempsey-Hall, Deputy Communications Director