CONCORD — A New Hampshire woman has been sentenced for her involvement in a Medicaid fraud scheme that illegally obtained nearly $18,000 from the state’s Medicaid program, Attorney General John M. Formella announced Tuesday.
Felisha Cunningham, 29, was convicted on charges including a class A felony for Theft by Deception and a class B felony for Medicaid Fraud – False Claims at the Merrimack County Superior Court.
She pleaded guilty to filing false claims alongside Tucker Bean to steal $17,749.54 in Medicaid funds.
Between April and January 2024, Cunningham and Bean were involved in creating bogus mileage reimbursement requests as part of the Family and Friends Mileage Reimbursement Program.
Cunningham falsely claimed she lived in Plymouth and traveled over 25 miles to reach healthcare appointments in Franklin.
She also misrepresented that Bean, who she stated lived in Conway, needed to be driven to the same location each day.
In reality, the duo resided together near the treatment facility, significantly inflating their travel claims.
Cunningham was sentenced to 12 months at the Merrimack County House of Corrections for the Medicaid Fraud – False Claims charge, with six months suspended for seven years conditional on her release.
For the Theft by Deception charge, she received a suspended sentence of 2 to 4 years at the New Hampshire State Prison, also suspended for seven years post-release.
The sentences are set to run consecutively if imposed.
Additionally, Cunningham must pay restitution of $17,749.54 and is barred from participating in the mileage reimbursement program in the future.
The case was investigated by Financial Investigator Timothy Brackett and Investigator John Lannon of the New Hampshire Department of Justice’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, with support from Conway, Franklin, and Tilton Police Departments.
Senior Assistant Attorney General Thomas Worboys and Assistant Attorney General Andrew Yourell prosecuted the case.
While Cunningham has been convicted, charges against Tucker Bean are still pending.
Bean is presumed innocent until proven guilty, with his trial scheduled for May.
The Medicaid Fraud Control Unit is tasked with investigating and prosecuting healthcare provider fraud against Medicaid.
To report suspected fraud, individuals can contact the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit at (603) 271-1246.
