Mother-Child Medicaid Fraud Accusation in New York

In the United States, a mother and daughter running an adult day‑care center in Staten Island, New York, were arrested on allegations that they defrauded Medicaid and long‑term care providers. According to a statement from Staten Island District Attorney Michael McMahon, Yangsim Oum and Juyoung Choe were apprehended at their center on Forest Avenue on Tuesday.

The prosecution says invoices were issued for services allegedly not actually provided to public programs and long‑term care facilities during the April‑August 2026 period. According to the indictment, the total amount exceeds $530,000. Investigators also claim that some claims were filed on behalf of individuals who have died or are no longer in the United States.

Facing Hundreds of Charges

Hundreds of charges, including fraud in health services and falsification of commercial records, were brought against the mother and daughter. Both women were released on their own responsibility.

Both Defendants Deny the Charges

Yangsim Oum’s lawyer Yan Katsnelson stated that her client denies the allegations and any impropriety. The attorney said that accountants were being consulted to review the records and that the goal was to clear Oum’s name. Juyoung Choe’s lawyer Mark Fonte also said his client does not accept the accusations and that the financial records in the file will be examined by independent experts.

Medicaid Spending Under the Microscope

Federal officials say that per‑capita Medicaid expenditures in New York are 40 to 60 percent higher than the national average. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) sent a letter to the state’s Medicaid agency demanding a corrective action plan within 30 days. The agency stressed the need for an effective audit system to detect and prevent fraud.

Investigation Expands to Other Centers

Allegations against a mother and her daughter surfaced during a broader federal and state probe that covers adult day‑care centers across New York. Officials are conducting searches and inspections at various facilities. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are looking into whether similar irregularities exist at other institutions.