A Sandy-based in-home health provider's manager, Caleb David Richardson, has been charged with Medicaid fraud. The charges stem from his alleged overbilling of Medicaid to cover payroll deficits while simultaneously purchasing a home and two cars. Richardson, 27, was charged with three counts of violating Utah's False Claims Act, a second-degree felony. Grandkids LLC, registered in 2020 with Richardson as manager, was later rebranded and registered as Helperly Corp. in 2023. The Utah Office of the Inspector General received a tip in August 2024, alleging that both Grandkids and Helperly were duplicating billing. In February 2025, the office was informed of possible Medicaid fraud. An employee reported that caregivers were instructed to sit in their cars after visits, even if the client no longer needed assistance, to bill for full approved care time. During an interview, Richardson admitted to overbilling Medicaid to cover payroll and invest in Helperly's app development, totaling around $350,000 over five months. He also purchased a home and two cars during this period. Richardson claimed he conducted a self-audit, but the state's auditor found it inaccurate. The audit accused him of submitting duplicate claims, incorrect units, and fraudulent claims, resulting in a loss of approximately $253,962. Richardson's wife, Emily, who is Helperly's highest-paid employee, continued to receive full pay while he asked his leadership team to take a temporary pay cut. The controversy raises questions about the ethics of overbilling and the responsibility of healthcare providers. What do you think? Agree or disagree in the comments below.
