Cab Company Accused Of Driving Medicaid Patients Without License

TOWN OF BROOKHAVEN, NY - Town of Brookhaven officials announced on Wednesday that a cab company faces over $26,000 in fines for allegedly providing transportation services for Medicaid patients without a license to operating within the town.

Officials launched an investigation into unlicensed taxi companies which resulted in the Southampton-based HometownTaxi to receive 52 appearance tickets, according to the town.

The investigation was launched by the Brookhave Town Attorney's office last month after finding out the company was allegedly conducting both Medicaid pick-ups and drop-off without proper licensing from the Town.

The Department of Public began a review of cab companies that have not completed the licensing to conduct business within the Town of Brookhaven and after several complaints found that Hometown Taxi was allegedly in violation of the town code.

According to the town code, a taxicab business is required to secure a license from the Commissioner of Public Safety in order to transport Medicaid patients.

The company were charged with violating the Brookhaven Town Code and could eventually face further violations of State regulations in addition to the fines, according to the town.

"Brookhaven Town and New York State take Medicaid violations very seriously and we will continue to pursue any company that operates without a license to the fullest extent of the law," Town Supervisor Ed Romaine said in a statement. "I have asked the Town Attorney to proceed with the investigation until every company is in compliance."