Medicare Fraud Investigation: Empty Offices and 'Zombie Businesses' in Maine

Investigation into Home Health Care Businesses

• 🔍 NewsNation's investigative reporting has uncovered patterns of suspected Medicare fraud in Maine, mirroring findings from Minnesota.
• 🎯 The focus is on clusters of home and community-based health care companies, described as 'zombie offices' or 'ghost businesses'.

Findings in Portland, Maine

• 🏢 An office building in Portland was found to have 22 registered companies, with 10 identified as home health care businesses.
• 🚶 Many of these businesses appear to be 'window fronts' or 'door fronts' with no visible staff.
• 🏠 Examples of these businesses include Prestige Home Care, Brightstar Homecare, Atlantic Community Support, Five Stars Home Healthcare, and Prime Homecare LLC.

Building Owner's Concerns

• ❓ The building owner expressed skepticism about the legitimacy of some businesses, noting that he rarely sees anyone except when rent is paid.
• ⚖️ He believes the issue is one of 'right versus wrong' rather than political affiliation and wants greater awareness.

Overbilling and Abandonment

• 💰 Five-Star Home Healthcare was identified as a provider that overbilled Maine by nearly $400,000, according to a state audit.
• 🚪 Following the overbilling, the owner reportedly abandoned the office.

Official Response

• 🗣️ Federal officials have visited Gateway Community Services, the initial focus of the fraud allegations.
• ✅ The governor of Maine has stated her support for an investigation into the matter.