Rocky Hill Woman Arrested In Health Care Fraud Case: Feds

ROCHY HILL, CT — A Rocky Hill woman who prosecutors said worked as a personal care assistant to her mother was arrested today and charged with billing Medicaid for personal care services while she was working elsewhere.

Deborah V. Swain, 52, was arrested Wednesday by inspectors from the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit in the Office of the Chief State's Attorney. She was charged with one count each of health insurance fraud and first-degree larceny in by defrauding a public community.

According to the arrest warrant affidavit, Swain was hired in December 2020 to provide personal care services for her mother. At the same time, Swain was employed as a licensed practical nurse for a short-term rehabilitation and skilled nursing care facility. According to case records, a total of 188.5 hours for personal care services were submitted and paid to her while she was working elsewhere at the rehabilitation facility.

The false claims, which occurred from January 17, 2021 to November 7, 2021, totaled $3,063.12, according to case records.

Swain was employed under the Personal Care Assistance Waiver, or PCA program, which is a federal- and state-funded Medicaid program administered by the Department of Social Services that provides funds to allow people with disabilities to hire assistants for daily care, thus enabling the individuals to remain at home instead of being placed in a health care facility.

Swain was released on a $20,000 non-surety bond and is scheduled to appear in Hartford Superior Court on Dec. 6.

The case will be prosecuted by the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit.

Prosecutors said health insurance fraud is an "unclassified felony," punishable by up to five years in prison. Larceny in the First degree by defrauding a public community is a class B felony punishable by up to 20 years in prison.