Feasterville Dentist Admits $1.5M Medicaid Fraud Scheme: AG

A Bucks County dentist has pleaded guilty in connection with a $1.5 million Medicaid fraud scheme, the Pennsylvania Attorney General announced Thursday.

Ilya Babiner, 63, who owned and operated General Dentistry Number One in Feasterville, pleaded guilty this week to Medicaid fraud and tampering with public records. Babiner, a Langhorne resident, must pay restitution and has had his license to practice dentistry revoked for at least seven years.

According to Attorney General Josh Shapiro, over a period of two years, Babiner submitted $1.5 million in fraudulent Medicaid claims for dental work that was not actually performed.

Investigators said Babiner submitted claims for crown restorations and other repeat dental services for a high number of patients. Babiner also submitted claims for dental work he did not perform, using an alphabetical billing process.

For example, between August 17 and 24, 2015, Babiner claimed his practice saw 120 patients; 107 of those patients had a last name beginning with “G”. Other dates analyzed during the investigation showed a similar pattern of alphabetical billings, the Attorney General's office said.

“When people commit Medicaid fraud, they’re stealing taxpayers’ money that’s used to assist people who are in real need of those health care services,” Attorney General Shapiro said in a statement. “It’s wrong, it’s criminal, and we’re taking action to stop it wherever we find it.”

In addition to the $1.5 million restitution payment, Babiner will pay additional fines totaling $15,000 and must complete 500 hours of community service.