OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — A Kansas woman who allegedly billed Oklahoma’s Medicaid program for services she did not perform has pleaded not guilty to a Medicaid fraud charge.
The Oklahoma attorney general’s office filed the charge last month, alleging that 39-year-old Paula Hessen of Wichita, Kansas, billed the Oklahoma Health Care Authority for rehabilitation services allegedly performed while she was on vacation or away from the office. Hessen was a behavioral health rehabilitation specialist for Oklahoma Counseling Services.
Her attorney, Kent Hudson of Tulsa, did not immediately return a Wednesday phone call seeking comment.
Prosecutors say Hessen’s claims cost the Health Care Authority more than $6,000. If convicted, she faces up to three years in prison and fines of more than $18,000.
She entered the not guilty plea Monday in Oklahoma County District Court.
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