The Alleged Hospice Fraud Scheme
Prosecutors have accused Gladwin Gill, 66, and Amelou Gill, 70, of playing key roles in a hospice company that allegedly generated tens of millions of dollars in improper Medicare payments. According to court documents, the business, 626 Hospice Inc., is accused of enrolling individuals who were not terminally ill to bill Medicare for hospice services.
Widespread Allegations
The investigation reveals that the fraudulent operation extended beyond a single provider, involving multiple hospice companies in the Los Angeles area. The Department of Justice (DOJ) claims that the broader scheme brought in more than $50 million through fraudulent claims.
Some of the patients were unaware they were enrolled in hospice, as stated in a federal complaint. This lack of awareness raises serious concerns about the ethical and legal implications of the alleged actions.
Patient Cases
One example cited in court documents involves a 95-year-old man with Alzheimer’s disease, identified as V.J. Despite prior health issues, including cancer and an aneurysm, he was not considered terminal by his doctor. Medical records showed he was treated for abdominal pain linked to a fecal mass but recovered without complications.
“[V.J.’s doctor] had never diagnosed V.J. with six months or less to live, nor had she referred him to hospice or palliative care,” the complaint says. Authorities allege that the man had been placed into hospice care repeatedly over a period of years without his knowledge or proper medical justification.
Enrolled Without Consent
Family members reportedly said they were unaware of how services began and questioned the care provided. “She described them as ‘okay’ but stated she got irritated when they did not show up when they were supposed to,” the complaint notes.
Other patients described similar experiences. One woman said she received routine health checks but was never informed she had a terminal condition. Another patient reportedly laughed when recalling he had once been told he had only months to live, noting he was still alive long after.
Prosecutors say some individuals were even paid to participate, while others had no idea they had been listed as hospice patients.
Pattern of Conduct
The allegations suggest a pattern of conduct where patients were enrolled without their consent or proper medical justification. This has led to questions about the integrity of the hospice industry and the potential for abuse within it.
Federal Response
The case forms part of a wider crackdown known as “Operation Never Say Die,” targeting hospice fraud. “They schemed to defraud the nation’s health care system out of more than $50 million — including by running sham hospice care facilities that bilked Medicare by using people without terminal illnesses as beneficiaries,” the DOJ said.
“We are enforcing a zero-tolerance policy for criminals who defraud American taxpayers,” said First Assistant United States Attorney Bill Essayli.
The defendants are scheduled to appear in court for a preliminary hearing on April 23.
