Bethel Psychologist Charged with Medicaid Fraud

The Attorney General's Office announced that Robert Vaillancourt, 76, of Middlesex, Vermont, was arraigned yesterday on four counts of felony Medicaid Fraud.

The charges brought against Mr. Vaillancourt by the Attorney General's Medicaid Fraud and Residential Abuse Unit (MFRAU) stem from an investigation into his work as a licensed psychologist. The investigation, conducted by MFRAU and the Secretary of State's Office of Professional Regulation, began after a referral was received from the Department of Vermont Health Access due to concerns with Mr. Vaillancourt's overall therapeutic and billing practices.

The investigation found that Mr. Vaillancourt had submitted claims for payment to Vermont Medicaid for psychotherapy sessions he had not provided, defrauding Vermont Medicaid of over $600,000 in public health care funds. Mr. Vaillancourt also failed to maintain patient records as agreed in his Medicaid Provider agreement and as required by state law and federal law.

Mr. Vaillancourt pleaded not guilty at his arraignment yesterday in Vermont Superior Court, Windsor Criminal Division. The Court, Judge Elizabeth Mann presiding, ordered Mr. Vaillancourt released on his own recognizance on the condition that he present himself to Vermont State Police for fingerprinting within seven days.

If you suspect Medicaid fraud, please contact MFRAU at https://ago.vermont.gov/medicaid-fraud-report-form.

The Attorney General's Office emphasizes that individuals charged with a crime are legally presumed innocent until their guilt is proven beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

The Medicaid Fraud and Residential Abuse Unit receives 75 percent of its funding from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services under a grant award totaling $1,332,724 for Federal fiscal year FY 2025. The remaining 25 percent, totaling $444,241 for FY 2025, is funded by the State of Vermont.

CONTACT: Amelia Vath, Senior Advisor to the Attorney General, 802-828-3171