Minnesota Woman Accused of Using Medicaid Funds for Plane Tickets, Uber Eats Purchases

The owner of a home healthcare provider is facing felony charges after she allegedly diverted more than $600,000 for personal use. Authorities said the money which was intended for vulnerable patients was spent for plane tickets and food deliveries through apps like Uber Eats.

According to a report by CBS Minnesota, the Minnesota Attorney General’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit (MFCU) charged Gertrue Kemunto Mongare with multiple counts of felony theft by false representation. Prosecutor alleged that Mongare, who owns B&G Cairing Angles LLC, submitted more than 3000 Medicaid claims over four years, totaling over $600,000.

Investigators said funds from the business account were used several times for personal expenses, including airline flights and food orders from apps like Uber Eats and rider services. These allegations have raised fresh concerns about oversight within Minnesota’s Medicaid system and about how public funds are monitored after approval for payment.

The charging documents state that the business account tied to B&G Caring Angles was allegedly used for personal purchases, including travel, food, and ride-sharing services. Investigators said those expenses were flagged during a review of financial records tied to Medicaid claims submitted by the agency.

While the complaint does not itemize every transaction publicly, authorities allege that funds intended for in-home care services were instead directed towards travel and food delivery purchases. The reference to flight suggests longer distance travel rather than minor incidental expenses, raising questions about how closely the business and personal finances were separated.

Beyond the spending allegations, investigators reported compliance concerns. According to the complaint, there were no documented records showing that certain services were provided, no background checks on employees and claims that timesheets were submitted verbally. Prosecutors said these issues point to systematic billing problems rather than isolated accounting errors.

Despite the charges, state records show that B&G Caring Angels License remains active. This has drawn sharp criticism from lawmakers concerned about whether payments should continue while a criminal case is pending.

The situation has sparked a broader debate over how quickly agencies should act when fraud charges are filed. For some lawmakers, the case highlights gaps between criminal prosecution and administrative action, especially when public dollars remain at risk.

The charges against Mongare have added urgency to the ongoing policy discussions. Governor Tim Walz has proposed changes aimed at overhauling how Medicaid is administered. His suggestions also included centralizing oversight to improve transparency and accountability. As lawmakers debate reforms, cases like these underscore the high stakes of misused public health funds.