By VDC staff

Robert Vaillancourt, 76, of Bethel, pleaded innocent Tuesday in state court on four felony counts of Medicaid Fraud following a state investigation into his psychological practice.

According to the Attorney General’s Office, Vaillancourt, a licensed psychologist, allegedly submitted false claims for psychotherapy sessions he never provided, defrauding Vermont Medicaid of more than $600,000. Investigators also said he failed to maintain required patient records.

The Attorney General’s Medicaid Fraud and Residential Abuse Unit (MFRAU) launched its investigation after the Department of Vermont Health Access raised concerns about Vaillancourt’s therapeutic and billing practices. The Secretary of State’s Office of Professional Regulation also took part in the probe.

Vaillancourt pleaded not guilty Tuesday in Vermont Superior Court, Windsor Criminal Division. Judge Elizabeth Mann released him on conditions, including that he report to Vermont State Police for fingerprinting within seven days.

The MFRAU, which investigates health care fraud and abuse, is funded 75 percent by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services through a federal grant of $1.33 million for fiscal year 2025. The remaining $444,241 comes from the State of Vermont.

Authorities encourage anyone who suspects Medicaid fraud to report it to MFRAU via the Attorney General’s online form: https://ago.vermont.gov/medicaid-fraud-report-form.