Prosecutor: Matawan-Based Psychologist Pleads Guilty to Insurance Fraud

A psychologist, whose office is in Matawan, has pleaded guilty to submitting fraudulent insurance claims on behalf of two patients, authorities said.

Edward M. Merski, 62, of Briarwood Drive in Old Bridge, pleaded guilty to one count of third-degree insurance fraud. He entered his guilty plea before Monmouth County Superior Court Judge Francis J. Vernoia, sitting in Freehold.

Accoridng to a news release from acting Monmouth County Prosecutor Christopher J. Gramiccioni:

Merski, whose office is on Nawatam Way in Matawan, submitted about 120 fraudulent claims, on behalf of two patients, to Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield between January 2009 and June 2013.

Those claims, which totaled more than $15,000, were for patients visits that did not occur.

At Merski’s sentencing, scheduled for July 10, prosecutors will recommend a probationary sentence, with the condition that restitution be paid to Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield.

A charge of witness tampering filed against Merski is also expected to be dismissed at sentencing.

Authorities filed that charge after investigators determined he offered money to the patients to drop a civil lawsuit that could have exposed his fraudulent billing practices.

Monmouth County Assistant Prosecutor Melanie Falco is handling the state’s case.