Waterford Psychologist Settles Fraud Allegations: DOJ

WATERFORD, CT — A Waterford psychologist has has entered into a civil settlement agreement with the federal and state governments and paid more than $126,000 to resolve allegations that she violated the federal and state False Claims Acts, according to United States Attorney John H. Durham and Connecticut Attorney General George Jepsen.

According to a news release from the U.S. Attorney's Office, Arlene Werner is licensed as a psychologist in Connecticut and owns a private psychology practice in Waterford. She is enrolled as a provider in the Connecticut Medical Assistance Program (“CMAP”), which includes the state’s Medicaid program.

"It is alleged that Werner billed Medicaid for psychotherapy services that were not provided and that she billed Medicaid for family psychotherapy sessions for multiple family members when she should have billed one family member for individual psychotherapy services," Durham said in a release.

To resolve the allegations under the federal and state False Claims Acts, the accused has paid $126,760.09 in order to reimburse the Medicaid program, which covers conduct occurring from January 2011 to July 18, 2016, Durham said.

“It is imperative that providers accurately bill Medicaid and other insurance programs,” Durham said. “Working with our federal and state partners, we will continue to protect the integrity of the Medicaid program to ensure its recipients receive the healthcare services they need.”'

Under the False Claims Act, the government can recover up to three times its actual damages, plus penalties of $11,181 to $22,363 for each false claim, Durham said.

People who suspect health care fraud are encouraged to report it by calling 1-800-HHS-TIPS or the Health Care Fraud Task Force at (203)-777-6311.

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