The Maine Department of Health has suspended MaineCare payments to Gateway Community Services while investigating "credible allegations of fraud" after a whistleblower came forward. Records show Gateway received $28.8 million from MaineCare between 2019 and 2024 and nearly $700,000 in COVID-era PPP loans. State officials say they will seek recovery of more than $1 million from 2021–2022. Gateway says it will cooperate with the investigation while Congressional inquiries reference the firm amid broader probes.
Maine Suspends MaineCare Payments to Gateway Community Services Amid Whistleblower Fraud Allegations
The Maine State Capitol, left, and a police car, right.
The Maine Department of Health has moved to suspend MaineCare payments to Gateway Community Services, a Portland-based health services provider, while it investigates what the agency described as "credible allegations of fraud." The action follows a whistleblower complaint and media reports raising questions about the provider’s billing and service practices.
What Happened
MaineCare issued Gateway Community Services a notice of violation and paused payments this week as state investigators review claims that some services billed to Medicaid were not delivered as reported. Lindsay Hammes, a spokesperson for the Maine Department of Health, said the agency will "continue to hold providers to the highest standards and ensure accountability in the use of public funds." State officials said they intend to seek recovery of more than $1 million in payments from 2021 and 2022 as part of the review.
Financial Records and Loans
Public records obtained by the Bangor Daily News show MaineCare paid Gateway $28.8 million from 2019 through 2024. The company also received nearly $700,000 in Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) funds during the COVID-19 period, reportedly to preserve 127 jobs.
Whistleblower Allegations
Chris Bernardini, who identified himself as a former employee, told NewsNation he "couldn’t fathom" the scope of what he said he witnessed. Bernardini alleged that Gateway staff sometimes failed to show up for clients and that the company’s electronic monitoring system inaccurately logged field staff visits.
Company Response
An attorney for Gateway, Pawel Bincyzk, confirmed the firm received notices from the state and said the company "stands by its previous statements on this issue and will continue to cooperate with the state as it has in the past." Multiple attempts by Fox News Digital to reach Gateway by phone were unsuccessful or returned disconnected extensions.
Broader Inquiries
The suspension in Maine comes amid wider scrutiny of Somali-linked providers and programs in other states. Members of Congress, led by Rep. James Comer (R-Ky.), referenced Gateway in a letter to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent raising concerns tied to investigations in Minnesota. That letter named several individuals reportedly connected to the firm, including the company’s leader and Maine state Rep. Deqa Dhalac (D-Portland).
Background on Company Leader
Media reports identify Gateway’s founder as a Somali-born entrepreneur who arrived in the U.S. as a refugee in 2009, later became a U.S. citizen, and launched several businesses in Maine. His campaign materials indicate he sought a leadership post in Somalia’s Jubaland region; reporting notes the 2024 contest was won by incumbent Ahmed Mohamed Islam Madobe, a result that prompted political disputes between Mogadishu and regional authorities.
Next Steps
The Maine Department of Health has not released a timeline for completing its review. The Attorney General’s office declined to comment on the investigation when contacted. Gateway has stated it will cooperate with state investigators.
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