Fil-Am businessman accused of billing Medicare for care never provided

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Seniors allegedly signed up for hospice care despite not being terminally ill. Millions billed to Medicare. Some patients unaware they had even been enrolled.

These are among the allegations against Filipino American businessman Geoffrey Jimenez, 60, who faces a federal health care fraud charge announced by the U.S. Department of Justice on October 22.

Prosecutors allege Jimenez used Transitions Hospice Inc. to bill Medicare approximately $9.8 million for medically unnecessary services and care that, in many instances, was never provided. Medicare paid more than $8.3 million, authorities said.

According to the criminal complaint, Jimenez and his marketers targeted seniors at community centers, offering free medical services and, in some cases, illegal kickbacks.

He allegedly avoided using the word “hospice,” describing the program instead as “palliative services.” Prosecutors say he photographed beneficiaries’ identification and completed paperwork without them present.

Some beneficiaries told investigators they had never been diagnosed with the terminal illnesses listed in their records. Others reported receiving little or no care despite claims billing Medicare for dozens of visits.

The allegations extend beyond Transitions. Prosecutors say Jimenez controlled more than a dozen additional hospice entities that collectively billed over $107 million in similarly fraudulent claims.

Originally from Nueva Ecija, Jimenez worked as a nurse before building his health care businesses. He also became known in Filipino American community circles through his support for cultural events and his involvement in Miss Filipina International.

The FBI and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ inspector general are investigating.

Jimenez is charged by criminal complaint and is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.