Helen Boerman, a 48-year-old optometric physician from Brentwood, Tennessee, pleaded guilty earlier this week to defrauding Medicare out of $6.9 million, according to a May 7 announcement by United States Attorney Braden H. Boucek for the Middle District of Tennessee.
The case highlights ongoing efforts by federal authorities to address fraud in government programs and recover taxpayer funds lost through fraudulent claims. "Eliminating fraud in federal programs and holding fraudsters accountable is among the highest priorities of the Department of Justice," said United States Attorney Braden Boucek. "This case demonstrates our commitment to investigate fraud, find those responsible, and hold them accountable with jail sentences. We will not tolerate fraud against the taxpayers here in the Middle District of Tennessee."
According to court documents, Boerman used her practice, Brentwood Eye Care, over three-and-a-half years to submit false claims for new wound care products that were never purchased or used as claimed because she split single-use items among patients. For example, prosecutors said that in May 2022 Boerman submitted claims for services on dates when patients did not have appointments and directed staff at her practice to create false records supporting these fraudulent bills.
In addition to Medicare claims between March 2020 and October 2024, Boerman also made false submissions to TennCare (Tennessee’s Medicaid agency) and Federal Employees Health Benefits Programs. As part of her plea agreement, she admitted submitting approximately $11 million in false Medicare claims and receiving about $6.9 million.
Boerman is scheduled for sentencing before Chief Judge William L. Campbell Jr., on September 10 and faces up to five years in federal prison if convicted on all charges.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General led the investigation with support from the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation and Office of Personnel Management Office of Inspector General; Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah Bogni is prosecuting the case.
This prosecution is being conducted with support from the National Fraud Enforcement Division which partners with law enforcement agencies at multiple levels “to zealously investigate and prosecute those who steal or fraudulently misuse taxpayer dollars.” The division works toward protecting government financial integrity alongside local offices such as the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Middle District of Tennessee—which represents federal interests across 32 counties around Nashville by prosecuting criminal cases and managing civil litigation while coordinating community safety initiatives through law enforcement partnerships, according to its official website.
