Tina Bell, 56, Wernesville, the owner and manager of Superior Health, Inc., an Erie County-based home care agency, has been charged with theft by deception, receiving stolen property, Medicaid fraud, tampering with public records, and neglect of a care-dependent person, according to Henry.
Bell allegedly misrepresented the qualifications of caregivers and billed Medicaid for services that were either inadequate or never provided, according to the Office of the Attorney General’s investigation. She is accused of falsifying paperwork to cover up deficiencies and perpetuate her scheme, which reportedly endangered residents in her shared-care homes.
“The defendant allegedly put patients at risk while providing subpar care and services, and defrauded a system designed to help the most vulnerable Pennsylvanians,” Henry said. “My office takes a hard stance against individuals and businesses that break the law to prioritize personal profits over people.”
Investigators detailed instances of neglect and fraud, including:
- Directing unlicensed individuals to perform nursing duties.
- Failing to provide adequate staffing and care.
- Falsifying health screenings and employee training records.
- Generating false documentation during audits by the Pennsylvania Department of Health.
Superior Health reportedly received over $1 million in Medicaid funds for fraudulent claims and substandard care, according to officials. Bell’s actions jeopardized the health and well-being of care-dependent individuals residing in her homes, investigators said.
Bell’s bail was set at $100,000, and her preliminary hearing is scheduled for Thursday, Jan. 31. Deputy Attorney General Samuel Zappala and Attorney-In-Charge Kee Song of the Medicaid Fraud Control Section are prosecuting the case.
This investigation was conducted by the Pennsylvania Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, which receives funding from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
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