Dentist accused of stealing $2M from Medicaid

A dentist and her practice in Massachusetts allegedly defrauded the state Medicaid program of more than $2 million, according to a press release dated June 17 from the Massachusetts Attorney General's Office.

Dr. Meenakshy Yegneswaran, 55, and the practice she owns, Pleasant Street Dental in Worchester, MA, were indicted on one count each of Medicaid false claims, larceny over $1,200, and Medicaid excess charges.

The Hopkinton, MA, dentist reportedly billed the state Medicaid program, MassHealth, for dental services that were never provided. This billing allegedly even occurred while Yegneswaran, who was the only dentist at the practice, was out of the U.S. She allegedly fraudulently obtained more than $2 million from MassHealth, according to the release.

Furthermore, Yegneswaran and her practice are accused of forcing Medicaid patients to pay cash for prescription mouthwash that would have been paid for by MassHealth. Under state law, it is illegal for patients to pay for items that would be covered by Medicaid, according to the press release.