A Mississippian will pay a couple of fines and serve time on probation after fessing up to engaging in Medicaid fraud.
Attorney General Lynn Fitch announced on Wednesday, Pearly Youngblood, an employee of Blessing Hearts Healthcare, knowingly submitted false claims for Medicaid services that she did not provide. Blessing Hearts is a Tylertown-based healthcare provider.
On July 28, Walthall County Circuit Court Judge David Strong ordered Youngblood to pay full restitution in the amount of $16,598.40 to the Mississippi Division of Medicaid, along with $4,000 in fines and fees.
“Medicaid is an important part of our social safety net, providing access to medical services for those who would otherwise not be able to afford it,” Attorney General Lynn Fitch said.
“My office is dedicated to holding those who defraud this program accountable. I am proud of the investigators and prosecutors here who are committed to watching out for the taxpayers and to making sure Medicaid is there when our neighbors need it.”
Youngblood also received five years of non-adjudicated probation through the Mississippi Department of Corrections and will remain on the federal exclusion list, excluding her from participating in Medicaid, Medicare, or any other federal healthcare program, for five years.
