News Summary
Candace Taylor, a 35-year-old woman, has been charged with felony Medicaid fraud in Louisiana after allegedly underreporting her income while her businesses profited over $9.5 million. The investigation revealed discrepancies in her Medicaid applications, showcasing a stark contrast between her claimed financial need and her lavish lifestyle, including luxury car purchases. The case highlights ongoing challenges in preventing fraudulent claims within Medicaid programs.
Baton Rouge, Louisiana – A 35-year-old woman, Candace Taylor, has been charged with felony Medicaid fraud after allegedly obtaining benefits while generating significant revenue through her businesses. The Louisiana Attorney General, Liz Murrill, has referred to Taylor as the “Medicaid millionaire,” highlighting the stark contrast between her claims for aid and her financial reality.
Taylor’s arrest occurred on Monday, July 28, following an investigation conducted by the Louisiana Bureau of Investigation (LBI). The inquiry was initiated after a complaint from the Louisiana Department of Health accused her of underreporting her income in order to qualify for Medicaid. State officials uncovered evidence that Taylor’s businesses earned over $9.5 million from 2020 to 2024, which directly contradicted her claims of financial need.
Initially, Taylor applied for Medicaid in May 2019 using the alias “Candace Sailor.” In her application, she reported an income of just $1,900 bi-weekly and asserted that she had no dependents. This application was denied due to insufficient information and potential discrepancies. Within less than a year, Taylor reapplied, again using the same alias, but provided inconsistent information about her dependents and financial situation.
Financial records analyzed during the investigation revealed that Taylor made over $480,000 in deposits in 2020 alone. She engaged in significant luxury expenditures, including making vehicle payments totaling more than $45,000 to Audi Finance, purchasing properties using multiple six-figure cashier’s checks, and financing cosmetic surgery and high-end luxury items.
In a striking revelation, Taylor wired $100,000 to an exotic car dealership and utilized a debit card to purchase a brand-new 2022 Lamborghini Urus for $13,000. Just two months after this extravagant acquisition, she reapplied for Medicaid benefits, this time declaring a monthly income of $2,000 and failing to disclose her ownership of businesses that generated substantial income.
Investigators noted that Taylor frequently showcased her lavish lifestyle on social media, which ultimately drew attention and led to further scrutiny. As a result, she has now been charged under Louisiana Revised Statute 14:70.9 for fraudulently obtaining government benefits. She has been booked into the East Baton Rouge Parish Prison, and the investigation into her activities continues as authorities seek to uncover the full extent of her alleged fraudulent schemes.
This case highlights the challenges faced by Medicaid programs in preventing fraudulent claims, especially when individuals represent themselves as low-income while leading opulent lives. The implications of such fraud extend beyond individual charges, reflecting broader issues within the welfare system that rely on accurate self-reporting for assistance eligibility.
The Louisiana Bureau of Investigation has stated that they will continue to follow leads and gather evidence as they aim to bring all responsible parties to justice. Meanwhile, state officials are reassessing their monitoring protocols to prevent similar incidents of fraud in the future.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- Fox News
- Wikipedia: Medicaid
- Politico
- Google Search: Medicaid fraud Louisiana
- LA Illuminator
- Google Scholar: Medicaid fraud
- NOLA
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Healthcare
Author: STAFF HERE NEWORLEANS WRITER
NEW ORLEANS STAFF WRITER The NEW ORLEANS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENewOrleans.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in New Orleans, Orleans Parish, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as French Quarter Festival, New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, and Essence Music Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the New Orleans Chamber of Commerce and Greater New Orleans, Inc., plus leading businesses in energy, healthcare, and education that power the local economy such as Entergy, Ochsner Health, and Tulane University. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREShreveport.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Louisiana's dynamic landscape.
