Show-Me State Times

A man from St. Louis, Missouri, Christopher J. Spencer, has admitted to committing home health care fraud by using his brother's identity to obtain around $31,700 from the Missouri Medicaid Program. Spencer pleaded guilty to five counts of making false statements relating to health care benefits, acknowledging his deceit from June 2018 to February 2022 in connection with claims for Medicaid-reimbursed personal care assistance services.

Spencer confessed to the fraudulent activity, admitting to submitting false time sheets and Electronic Visit Verification (EVV) records, claiming that his brother was providing care for him even after his brother had moved out in 2018. According to reports, Spencer continued to receive reimbursements on a debit card meant for his brother's services and used the money for personal expenses like bills, rent, groceries, shopping, and hotels.

Linda Hanley, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG), condemned Spencer's actions, stating, “Through his scheme to defraud the Medicaid program, the defendant stole taxpayer funds meant to pay for legitimate services for eligible beneficiaries." She emphasized that the HHS-OIG would hold accountable those who exploit the federal health care system for personal gain.

Spencer is set to be sentenced on August 4 and could face up to five years in prison, a $250,000 fine, or both for each false statement charge. Additionally, he will be required to repay the unlawfully obtained funds. The investigation was carried out by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General and the Missouri Attorney General’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, with Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan Clow prosecuting the case.