Judge Sentences Billings Counselor for Medicaid Fraud
Staci West faces prison time after billing the state for medical sessions that never actually occurred.
Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in Financial Crime
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A Billings judge has sentenced local professional counselor Staci West to three years in prison for committing Medicaid fraud. West was found guilty of filing false claims for patient sessions that did not take place.
Why it matters
The case highlights efforts by state authorities to protect the integrity of public healthcare programs from billing exploitation. It reinforces the consequences for providers who violate their legal and professional obligations to the Medicaid system.
Staci West is sentenced to three years in the Montana Women's Prison followed by a 10-year suspended sentence. The court also ordered $603,719.66 in restitution for her fraudulent billing activity.
The players
Staci West
She is a former professional counselor who was convicted of defrauding the Medicaid system.
Montana Department of Justice
This state agency houses the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit responsible for investigating instances of abuse within the healthcare system.
The details
Staci West, who held a professional counselor license, submitted fraudulent Medicaid claims for treatment sessions that never occurred between January 2022 and September 2025. Following the investigation by the Montana Department of Justice's Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, she was convicted of Medicaid fraud and making a false claim to a public agency.
Timeline
Between January 2022 and September 2025, West submitted fraudulent Medicaid claims.
On October 22, 2026, a judge found Staci West guilty of the charges.
On October 28, 2026, the Attorney General announced the sentencing.
Legal Context
This case follows a pattern set by the False Claims Act in deterring the misuse of federal funds by healthcare providers. It reflects ongoing efforts to prosecute Medicaid fraud within the state's judicial system.
The conviction serves as a reminder of the strict oversight applied to medical billing in the state. Residents can report suspected Medicaid abuse to the fraud hotline at 800-376-1115.
The takeaway
Healthcare providers are subject to rigorous audits to ensure public funds are used only for legitimate patient care. Professionals in the field should maintain precise records to verify that all billed services align with actual treatment provided.
Further reading
For more on local enforcement actions, see our guide to Financial Crime.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Moose 94.7 FM.
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Do you trust that your state effectively investigates and penalizes healthcare billing fraud?
