Sophia Shaklian, 54, of Los Angeles, was sentenced Monday to 33 months in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release for her role in a $14 million Medicare fraud scheme involving bogus hospice claims and unnecessary diagnostic tests.
Shaklian, who operated two marketing companies that referred patients to purported hospice providers, pleaded guilty in November 2025 to one count of conspiracy to commit healthcare fraud. Prosecutors said she recruited homeless individuals and paid them $50 each to undergo unnecessary genetic and cardiovascular tests, then billed Medicare for the tests as if they were prescribed for legitimate patients.
She also referred patients to a fraudulent hospice company that billed Medicare for end-of-life care for patients who were not terminally ill. Many of the referred patients were still working full-time jobs.
Co-conspirators also convicted
Three co-defendants — two physicians and a hospice owner — have also pleaded guilty and are awaiting sentencing. The physicians admitted to signing thousands of test orders without reviewing medical records or examining patients.
'This was not a victimless crime. Ms. Shaklian exploited vulnerable people and diverted millions from a program designed to care for the elderly and disabled,' said U.S. District Judge André Birotte Jr. before imposing sentence.
This was not a victimless crime. Ms. Shaklian exploited vulnerable people and diverted millions from a program designed to care for the elderly and disabled.
Shaklian was also ordered to pay $14.2 million in restitution, though prosecutors acknowledged she has few assets. Her attorney said she intends to appeal the sentence.
