By: Christopher A. Parrella, Esq., CPC, CHC, CPCO
Parrella Health Law, Boston, Ma.
A Health Law Defense and Compliance Firm

The Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office (AGO) has indicted Dr. Meenakshy Yegneswaran and her dental practice, Pleasant Street Dental, PC, for allegedly defrauding MassHealth of over $2 million. Dr. Yegneswaran, aged 55, and based in Hopkinton, along with her company, face serious charges including Medicaid False Claims, Larceny Over $1,200, and Medicaid Excess Charges.

The AGO’s investigation revealed that Yegneswaran and Pleasant Street Dental billed MassHealth for dental services that were never provided, including during times when Dr. Yegneswaran, the sole dentist at the practice, was out of the country. Furthermore, it is alleged that they charged MassHealth patients cash for prescription mouthwash that should have been covered by MassHealth, a violation of Massachusetts law. The total amount fraudulently obtained is estimated at approximately $2.06 million.

This case underscores the AGO’s ongoing efforts to hold accountable those who misuse positions of authority and trust, particularly within the MassHealth program. This indictment follows recent actions against other dental practices in Massachusetts for similar fraudulent activities. In May 2024, a Boston-based dental practice and its manager were indicted for Medicaid fraud and unlicensed practice of dentistry. Similarly, in March 2024, a Falmouth dentist was indicted for submitting nearly $200,000 in false claims to MassHealth.

Need Legal Guidance?
If you have questions or need assistance regarding compliance and fraud prevention, contact Parrella Health Law at 857.328.0382 or email cparrella@parrellahealthlaw.com. Our team is here to support healthcare providers in navigating legal challenges.

Christopher Parrella, ESQ, CPC, CHC, CPCO, is the founding partner of Parrella Health Law in Boston, Mass. The firm focuses exclusively on healthcare defense and compliance matters. Chris also travels the country on behalf of a wide range of healthcare organizations, lecturing on a variety of health care enforcement and compliance topics. Chris is one of a handful of health care attorney’s that are also Certified Professional Coders (CPC) and is a member of the AAPC’s National Legal Advisory Board and Ethics Committee.  He is also a Certified Professional Compliance Officer (CPCO) and Certified in Health Care Compliance (CHC.)