A former employee has ignited a firestorm of allegations, claiming a widespread Medicaid fraud scheme is unfolding in Maine. Christopher Bernardini, a whistleblower with seven years of experience at a state-partnered organization, asserts that false records were systematically filed, billing taxpayers for services never rendered.
The accusations center around Gateway Community Services, a Somali American-led organization in Lewiston, Maine – a city that, like Minneapolis, has become a destination for Somali migrants. Bernardini alleges a pattern of fabricated client visit records, resulting in individuals being billed for hours they never worked.
“We started getting some clients calling and saying months later that their client owed them hours,” Bernardini revealed. “They hadn’t come in for these shifts and stuff. But I had a time card for it.” He unequivocally labeled the practice as fraud, stating, “Absolutely. No doubt about it.”
Gateway Community Services vehemently denies the allegations, issuing a statement that claims “strict billing, documentation, and compliance protocols” are maintained. They assert Bernardini never voiced any concerns during his tenure, a claim contradicted by internal documentation.
Records indicate Bernardini’s manager documented him raising red flags about fraudulent billing practices while still employed with the organization. This discrepancy casts doubt on the organization’s denial and fuels the call for a thorough investigation.
The situation is further complicated by past audits revealing significant overpayments to Gateway Community Services. Between 2015 and 2018, the state overpaid the nonprofit $662,608, a figure uncovered through investigations of tens of thousands of billing claims.
Another audit, completed in 2024, is currently under appeal, initiated after complaints were filed with the Maine Department of Health and Human Services. These repeated audits, triggered by concerns over finances, suggest a pattern of issues requiring scrutiny.
The unfolding events in Maine echo concerns previously raised regarding similar allegations in Minnesota, hinting at a potentially broader issue involving Medicaid fraud and the services provided to migrant communities. The need for comprehensive investigation appears increasingly urgent.
Local and national Republicans are now demanding a full investigation into organizations working with immigrants and receiving federal Medicaid funding. The spotlight is firmly on Gateway Community Services, which is already slated for a state audit this year.
