AUSTIN, Texas - An Irving dentist is among several providers named in a lawsuit filed by Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton alleging a scheme to defraud the state’s Medicaid program.
The lawsuit names Yuexi Chen of Irving, along with multiple dental clinics across North Texas and Houston, including locations in Fort Worth, Arlington, Dallas, Mesquite, and Houston.
According to the Attorney General’s Office, the defendants are accused of artificially increasing Medicaid patient volume by paying outside “marketers” to recruit patients. Investigators allege those payments were disguised as fees for “marketing” or “surveys,” though no legitimate services were provided.
Authorities said the marketers allegedly offered cash, gift cards, Zelle payments, and other incentives to Medicaid recipients and their families, including young children, in exchange for visiting the clinics. Those visits were then used to submit Medicaid claims tied to services prosecutors say were influenced by illegal kickbacks.
The state’s investigation cites written agreements, invoices, patient records, and electronic payment data as evidence of the alleged scheme.
“My office will not tolerate dental providers engaging in illegal activity to enrich themselves at the expense of taxpayers,” Paxton said. “This lawsuit sends a clear message: if you abuse the Medicaid program, violate the law, and profit off of illegal kickbacks, you will be held accountable.”
Among the businesses listed in the lawsuit is Apple Dentistry in south Irving, along with several other clinics operating under related entities across the state.
The lawsuit was filed under the Texas Health Care Program Fraud Prevention Act, which prohibits false claims and unlawful kickback arrangements involving Medicaid-funded services. The Attorney General’s Office is seeking civil penalties and restitution.
The list of plaintiffs include: Yuexi Chen of Irving, Happy Teeth Dental Center in Fort Worth, Stadium Dental in Arlington, Oakcliff Star Dental in Dallas, Apple Dentistry (owned by Irving Tooth Fairy PLLC), located at 737 Irby Ln in South Irving, Dental Zania in Mesquite, Ellis Dental in Fort Worth and Park West Dental in Houston.
State officials said this case is separate from another lawsuit recently filed involving a different group of providers accused of similar conduct.
The case remains pending, and the allegations have not been proven in court.
