Southern California Couple Charged in $5.2M Hospice Fraud Scheme

Arrests part of federal crackdown on fraudulent hospice operators exploiting Medicare system

Apr. 3, 2026 at 2:53pm

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An extreme close-up of a stack of medical files and documents, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash, creating a stark, gritty, investigative aesthetic that conceptually represents the federal investigation into alleged healthcare fraud.Federal authorities allege a Southern California couple exploited the Medicare system through a fraudulent hospice scheme, underscoring the need for vigilance in protecting end-of-life care.Los Angeles Today

A Southern California couple, Gladwin Gill and Amelou Gill, have been arrested and charged with a $5.2 million Medicare fraud scheme involving their hospice business. Authorities allege the couple enrolled patients who were not terminally ill, falsified medical records, and used a family member's name to conceal their control of the operation.

Why it matters

This case is part of a broader federal crackdown on healthcare fraud, particularly in the hospice industry, where authorities say some providers are exploiting a system designed to support patients in their final stages of life and turning it into a 'cash-producing operation' through fraudulent practices.

The details

According to prosecutors, Gladwin Gill, a psychologist, and his wife Amelou Gill, a registered nurse, are accused of submitting over $5.2 million in false claims to Medicare for hospice services that were either not medically necessary or never provided. Investigators say the couple allegedly enrolled patients who were not terminally ill, a key requirement for hospice eligibility under Medicare, and in some cases, used individuals recruited to pose as patients with falsified medical records.

  • The couple was arrested on April 3, 2026 as part of Operation Never Say Die, a federal investigation targeting fraudulent hospice operators.
  • Authorities allege the Gills' scheme resulted in more than $4 million in payouts from Medicare based on the false claims.

The players

Gladwin Gill

A 66-year-old psychologist accused of participating in a $5.2 million Medicare fraud scheme involving his hospice business.

Amelou Gill

A 70-year-old registered nurse and wife of Gladwin Gill, accused of participating in the $5.2 million Medicare fraud scheme.

Operation Never Say Die

A federal investigation targeting fraudulent hospice operators accused of exploiting the Medicare system.

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What’s next

The judge will determine whether to allow the Gills to be released on bail at a hearing scheduled for next week.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing problem of healthcare fraud, particularly in the hospice industry, where some providers are accused of exploiting a system designed to support terminally ill patients for their own financial gain. It underscores the importance of robust oversight and enforcement to protect vulnerable patients and the integrity of Medicare.