Queens dentist arrested for allegedly submitting $300,000 in false Medicaid claims

# What happened

Prosecutors say dozens of claims documented invasive dental care — root canals, porcelain crowns and other procedures — that Nasimi did not perform. The office of Attorney General Letitia James says the alleged scheme involved billing Medicaid for at least 35 patients who were not treated as claimed.

# How patients were affected

Several patients later discovered Medicaid records showing procedures they never received. Those false entries created practical problems: when patients went to other dentists to get legitimate treatment, those new providers were told the procedures were already recorded and therefore not covered by Medicaid.

# Notable details alleged by prosecutors

• The scheme spans roughly four and a half years: Jan. 1, 2020 to Aug. 31, 2024.
• Prosecutors allege hundreds of billed procedures, with at least 35 patients listed whom Nasimi did not treat.
• In July 2022, prosecutors say Nasimi submitted more than $140,000 in claims while his office was closed and he was on vacation in England, France and Greece.
• The attorney general filed 40 charges against Nasimi.

# Legal exposure and next steps in the case

Nasimi faces criminal charges that carry a maximum state prison sentence of five to 15 years if he is convicted. He was arraigned in Queens Criminal Court following the arrest announced by the Attorney General's Medicaid Fraud Control Unit.

# Practical takeaways for patients

• Review your insurance and Medicaid statements for unexpected or duplicate procedures. Several patients and online reviewers reported billing entries for care they did not receive.
• If you find disputed entries, contact your insurer or Medicaid caseworker and request itemized claim details and steps to correct records.
• Keep copies of dental records, receipts and communications with your dentist. Those documents help resolve billing disputes and support any fraud complaints.

# Related context

Local outlets covering the arrest linked the alleged scheme to complaints about the practice and its billing history. The attorney general's Medicaid Fraud Control Unit is handling the prosecution.