METAIRIE, Louisiana — A husband and wife are behind bars after prosecutors say they spent nearly four years lying to Louisiana’s Medicaid program — hiding their marriage, their children, and their income to collect benefits they were never entitled to.
The Louisiana Attorney General’s Office announced the arrest of Brian Joseph Ringgold and Lisa Marie Ringgold, both of Metairie, in connection with a scheme that allegedly drained more than $37,000 from the state’s Medicaid program.
How the Alleged Scheme Worked
Prosecutors say the fraud was a coordinated effort between the two.
Brian Ringgold allegedly underreported his income when applying for Medicaid benefits. By making himself look financially eligible on paper, he was able to receive assistance that investigators say he did not qualify for.
Lisa Ringgold took it a step further.
She served as Brian’s authorized representative — the person responsible for submitting accurate information on his behalf. Instead, prosecutors say she deliberately left out critical details about their marriage, their shared living situation, and the fact that they had children together.
The couple also allegedly failed to report their combined household income, which is a key factor in determining Medicaid eligibility.
Nearly Four Years of Alleged Fraud
According to the Louisiana Attorney General’s Office, the scheme did not happen overnight.
Prosecutors say the couple’s crimes stretched from 2021 all the way through September 2025 — nearly four years of allegedly falsified records and withheld information.
That is a significant window of time, and investigators say the cumulative cost to Louisiana’s Medicaid program exceeded $37,000.
Why This Case Matters Locally
Medicaid fraud does not just hurt the state budget. It takes resources away from the people who genuinely need them.
Louisiana’s Medicaid program covers low-income individuals, families, elderly residents, and people with disabilities. Every dollar lost to fraud is a dollar that cannot go toward the residents who rely on that coverage for hospital visits, prescriptions, and basic healthcare.
The Attorney General’s Office has made Medicaid fraud a consistent enforcement priority, and this case is part of that broader effort to protect the program’s integrity.
What Comes Next
Brian and Lisa Ringgold now face criminal charges following their arrests. The case will move through the court system, where prosecutors will present the evidence gathered during the investigation.
The Louisiana Attorney General’s Office has not yet released details on the specific charges or potential penalties the couple could face if convicted.
Did this story surprise you, or have you seen Medicaid fraud affect your community? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
