Oceanside couple found in welfare fraud roundup

Nassau County Executive Edward P. Mangano announced on Dec. 27 that in 2011 the Department of Social Services Office of Investigations uncovered an additional $250,000 in welfare fraud, for a total of $15 million in cost savings in 2011. 

“Medicaid fraud is a crime against every taxpayer,” said Mangano. “In Nassau County, we are doing everything in our power to root out, deny and prosecute individuals who are not entitled to benefits or who receive benefits through criminal behavior.”

Among the most recent cases that were referred to the District Attorney’s office for criminal prosecution was that an of an Oceanside couple that own a dry cleaning business and failed to report their true income when they applied for Medicaid in 2004. As a result of their alleged fraudulent actions, $78,606 in illegally obtained benefits was paid to the couple over an 8-year period. 

“Whenever experienced staff at Social Services suspect fraud they immediately forward the information to our Office of Investigations,” said DSS Commissioner Dr. John Imhof. “Our staff works diligently to provide benefits to the truly needy and eligible residents of Nassau County. It is outrageous that individuals continue to try to cheat the system, and those who do will be caught, indicted and prosecuted to the full extent of the law.”

“We receive tips from DSS staff, from the state OMIG and from our anonymous phone hotline and webpage complaints,” said DSS Director of Investigations Scott Skrynecki. “Together, we will keep up the fight against Medicaid waste, fraud and abuse through information sharing, use of sophisticated technology, staying ahead of emerging fraud trends and aggressive investigations.” 

To report questionable practices in programs such as Medicaid, Day Care, Food Stamps, Public Assistance and Family Health Plus, call 1-877-711-TIPS (8477). All calls are completely confidential and callers can remain anonymous.

To learn about all the different kinds of Medicaid and welfare fraud, visit the Nassau County Department of Social Services website at www.nassaucountyny.gov/agencies/Welfare/index.html