Georgia Man Sentenced to Over 4 Years in Prison for Defrauding Arizona Medicaid Agency

PHOENIX, Ariz. — A Georgia man has been sentenced to more than four years in prison for orchestrating a multi-million-dollar fraud scheme against Arizona’s Medicaid agency, prosecutors announced.

Prison Term and Restitution Ordered

Kenneth Terrell Harrison, 45, was sentenced to 52 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release. The court also ordered him to pay more than $6.5 million in restitution to the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS).

Fraudulent Billing Scheme

Harrison admitted to owning Aurtism LLC, an outpatient behavioral health counseling service in Mesa.

In 2019, when applying for provider status with AHCCCS, Harrison concealed his role as primary owner due to his criminal history.

Prosecutors said that beginning in January 2020, Harrison obtained AHCCCS enrollee identification numbers — some from actual visitors to Aurtism, others through fraudulent means — and billed the agency for services that were never provided.

Almost all of the fraudulent claims involved members of the American Indian Health Plan, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

Millions Lost in Medicaid Funds

Between January 2020 and October 2021, Harrison fraudulently billed AHCCCS for more than $6.5 million. At sentencing, the court emphasized the harm caused to vulnerable populations who rely on Medicaid for care.

The case highlights growing concerns about fraud targeting Medicaid and other public health programs. Do you think states should implement stricter verification systems for healthcare providers? Share your thoughts in the comments at SaludaStandard-Sentinel.com.