PHILADELPHIA, PA — A Bensalem woman has been charged in connection with a nationwide health care fraud investigation that authorities allege caused a loss of over $1 million to Medicaid.
Hemal Patel, 59, is facing charges of wire fraud, aggravated identity theft, and conspiracy to violate the Anti-Kickback Statute. Prosecutors allege that Patel was involved in a scheme to fraudulently bill Medicaid for home care services never rendered, resulting in financial losses totaling approximately $1,069,384.38.
According to the charges, Patel is accused of forging doctor signatures on certification forms and unlawfully using individuals’ personal information without their knowledge to falsely enroll them in services, even while some were living abroad. Court documents further allege Patel received kickbacks for referring patients to home care agencies as part of the scheme.
The FBI, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General, and the Pennsylvania Office of the Attorney General conducted the investigation, which was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Alisa Shver.
Monday’s charges were part of the Department of Justice’s 2025 National Health Care Fraud Takedown, a nationwide effort targeting fraud and illegal drug diversion within federal health care programs. The operation has led to charges against 324 individuals across the country, involving more than $14.6 billion in alleged intended losses and the seizure of over $245 million in assets.
U.S. Attorney David Metcalf emphasized the broader impact of health care fraud, stating, “Health care fraud hurts us all, heightening the cost of services and threatening their availability to people in need.” He reaffirmed his office’s commitment to combating fraud and pursuing accountability.
Patel is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law. Further developments in the case are expected as it moves through the judicial process.
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