Wethersfield Therapist Arrested for $140K Medicaid Fraud

UPDATE: A Wethersfield therapist, Ivette Betancourt, 60, was arrested on October 22, 2023, for allegedly submitting over $140,000 in fraudulent Medicaid claims for therapy sessions that “were not performed.” This shocking development highlights serious violations within the healthcare system.

Betancourt faces one count of first-degree larceny by defrauding a public community and one count of health insurance fraud, according to the Connecticut Division of Criminal Justice (DCJ). Both charges are classified as Class B felonies, carrying potential penalties of up to 20 years in prison.

According to investigators from the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, Betancourt, who was a licensed marital and family therapist enrolled in the Connecticut Medicaid program, allegedly billed for therapy sessions that were never conducted. The investigation spanned from October 2020 to June 2025, during which inspectors reviewed records for 38 out of 138 Medicaid patients and uncovered “numerous claims for counseling sessions that were not performed.”

The arrest warrant affidavit reveals that these fraudulent claims resulted in Betancourt receiving $141,087.35 in Medicaid payments to which she was not entitled. This alarming case underscores the ongoing battle against healthcare fraud and its detrimental effects on public resources.

Betancourt has been released on a $10,000 non-surety bond and is scheduled to appear in New Britain Superior Court on December 17, 2023. The Medicaid Fraud Control Unit expressed gratitude for the assistance received in this investigation from the Connecticut Department of Social Services and the Newington Police Department.

This case is part of a broader effort to combat fraud in the healthcare system, a critical concern for taxpayers and legitimate healthcare providers alike. As this investigation unfolds, authorities are urging the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities related to healthcare services.

Stay tuned for more updates as this developing story progresses.