Maine’s Medicaid program has halted payments to Gateway Community Services, a Portland-based health services company, following allegations of widespread fraud. The action comes after a whistleblower stepped forward with disturbing claims about the misuse of taxpayer funds.
At the center of the controversy is the company’s founder, a Somali-born man who, remarkably, campaigned for the presidency of Jubaland, Somalia. His platform included promises of bolstering security against the terrorist group Al-Shabab, a detail that has raised further scrutiny.
Reports originating in Minnesota suggest a potential link between funds connected to the Somali community there and the very terror group Ali pledged to fight. This connection has prompted concerns about the flow of money and its ultimate destination.
The whistleblower, Chris Bernardini, described a culture of alleged fraud during his time at Gateway. He stated he was shocked by the extent of the irregularities he observed, believing the company was meant to provide genuine care.
Bernardini recounted instances of clients complaining that Gateway staff failed to appear for scheduled appointments. He also alleged that the company’s electronic monitoring system was manipulated to falsely show staff visiting clients, inflating reported activity.
MaineCare, the state’s Medicaid program, issued a notice of violation to Gateway last week, triggering the immediate suspension of payments. The state intends to recover over $1 million in funds disbursed during 2021 and 2022.
Between 2019 and 2024, MaineCare channeled $28.8 million to Gateway Community Services. The company also received approximately $700,000 in Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) funds, intended to preserve 127 jobs during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Federal lawmakers have also taken notice, sending a letter to the Treasury Secretary expressing concerns about a growing fraud scandal involving Somali-linked entities in Minnesota. Gateway and its founder were specifically mentioned in the correspondence.
The state’s investigation is ongoing, and officials have declined to comment on specific details. Attempts to reach Gateway for comment have been unsuccessful, with phone calls going unanswered or leading to disconnected lines.
Gateway’s attorney maintains the company’s innocence and asserts its continued cooperation with the state’s inquiry. However, the allegations and the subsequent suspension of funds paint a troubling picture of potential abuse within the system.
