Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes said fraudulent behavioral health billing tied to Arizona’s Medicaid program has dropped by 92% since the state launched a crackdown on billing schemes in 2023.
The update comes after Rita Anagho, a nurse practitioner, was sentenced to 3.5 years in prison May 6 in Maricopa County Superior Court after pleading guilty in a Medicaid fraud case, according to a May 14 news release from the attorney general’s office.
Ms. Anagho operated TUSA Integrated Clinic and served as the behavioral health professional for around 10 to 15 other behavioral health facilities, many of which have since been suspended or terminated. Prosecutors said TUSA billed the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System for behavioral health services that were never provided, including claims involving minors, incarcerated individuals and deceased members, specifically targeting the American Indian population.
Ms. Anagho was ordered to pay $55 million in restitution and is awaiting sentencing for a separate federal case as well. Her nursing license was revoked last year.
Behavioral health code billing in the American Indian Health Plan declined from approximately $3.1 billion between 2021 and 2023 to approximately $230 million from 2024 to 2026. Since 2023, the attorney general’s office has indicted 140 individuals and entities, convicted 41 individuals and entities, and recovered or seized more than $139 million in cash and real property, the release said.
At the Becker's Fall Behavioral Health Summit, taking place November 4–5 in Chicago, behavioral health leaders and executives will explore strategies for expanding access to care, integrating services, addressing workforce challenges and leveraging innovation to improve outcomes across the behavioral health continuum. Apply for complimentary registration now.