Markita Barnes was sentenced to 121 months in prison for defrauding Medicaid out of more than $2.3 million.
A federal judge has sentenced a 33-year-old Milwaukee woman to 121 months in prison for a healthcare fraud scheme that stole more than $2.3 million from a Medicaid program designed to support at-risk pregnant women and young children.
Markita Barnes, owner of the now-closed Here for You Prenatal Care Coordination Services, was convicted by a jury in November 2025 on 20 federal felony counts. These included 10 counts of healthcare fraud, three counts of false statements related to healthcare matters, three counts of violating the anti-kickback statute, one count of attempting to obstruct a healthcare fraud investigation, one count of money laundering, and two counts of aggravated identity theft.
Prosecutors said Barnes fraudulently billed Medicaid for prenatal care coordination services that were not provided or were ineligible, diverting funds intended to reduce infant mortality and assist vulnerable families. The scheme undermined the program to such an extent that Wisconsin scaled it back significantly, limiting access for many women who needed help.
“The substantial sentence holds Ms. Barnes accountable for her very serious crimes,” First Assistant US Attorney Brad Schimel said. “She stole limited public resources that were intended for our neighbors most in need of public assistance. Many people in need will not receive help due to the defendant’s actions. This is a strong message to other fraudsters that we are coming for them, and they will be punished.”
Similar Medicaid fraud issues have drawn national attention in Minnesota and California. In Minnesota, federal prosecutors alleged billions may have been stolen from the state’s Medicaid program over recent years, with multiple defendants charged in schemes involving high-risk services such as personal care assistance, home health, and autism-related therapies. One recent case involved a Minneapolis provider charged with over $3 million in fraudulent billing for services not rendered.
In California, federal officials and congressional investigators have highlighted concerns over improper payments, including in hospice services and other Medicaid programs. A House Committee on Energy and Commerce probe expanded to examine fraud in multiple states, including California, where one reported instance involved a residential home receiving $36,000 monthly for unprovided healthcare services.
