Woman files phony claims to steal $305,000 in Medicaid scam, GA officials say

Miami Herald

13-05-2025

A business owner accused of helping herself to more than $305,000 meant for the 'most vulnerable Georgians' is going to prison, according to Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr.
Teresa Renee Owens, 60, was convicted of Medicaid fraud after pleading guilty in DeKalb County Superior Court earlier this year, Carr said in a May 12 news release.
The Brookhaven woman also pleaded guilty to false writings and identity fraud in the scheme involving phony claims that were filed with the state's Medicaid program, officials said.
Owens' business, Better Home Healthcare of Georgia, provided behavioral health therapy and services to children and adults, according to Carr. As the operator, she allegedly oversaw the submission of false Medicaid claims on multiple occasions and had employees create phony patient records to support those claims, he said.
The business received $305,685.75, which was deposited into Owens' personal bank account, according to the attorney general's office.
McClatchy News tried reaching Better Home Healthcare of Georgia for comment May 13, but contact information wasn't available.
'Medicaid Fraud isn't a victimless crime – it's theft of taxpayer dollars and it undermines a system meant to care for our most vulnerable Georgians,' Car said in the release.
A judge accepted Owens' guilty plea March 31 and handed her a 10-year sentence, according to Carr. She will spend one year in prison and serve the remainder on probation.
At a restitution hearing April 28, she was also ordered to repay the money, the attorney general said.
'As this case shows, we will not hesitate to hold accountable those who use their positions to exploit our Medicaid program,' Carr said.
Brookhaven is about a 10-mile drive northeast from downtown Atlanta.