WORCESTER—A Worcester man has been sentenced to up to three years in state prison for orchestrating a scheme that defrauded MassHealth of more than $500,000 by billing for home health services that were never provided.
Felix Mercedes, 35, pleaded guilty last week in Worcester Superior Court to multiple charges, including Medicaid false claims, larceny, conspiracy, identity fraud, and money laundering, according to Attorney General Andrea Campbell’s office.
Prosecutors said Mercedes and his co-conspirators stole personal information from elderly, disabled, and unhoused residents to sign them up for services under MassHealth programs such as Personal Care Attendant, Home Health Aide, and Adult Foster Care. The services were billed but not delivered, investigators said.
Mercedes was sentenced to one to three years in prison, followed by five years of probation. He was ordered to pay $500,000 in restitution to the state and barred from working with MassHealth or in roles involving care for the elderly or disabled.
Campbell said her office’s Medicaid Fraud Division will continue to protect taxpayer-funded programs and hold accountable those who exploit them.
The Attorney General’s Office said Mercedes used the stolen funds for personal expenses, including luxury goods, travel, and a down payment on a Worcester home. At least 17 MassHealth members were affected, with some losing access to needed care.
The case was investigated by the AG’s Medicaid Fraud Division with help from state and federal agencies, including the Worcester Police Department.
