MINEOLA, N.Y. — Nassau County District Attorney Anne T. Donnelly announced that Joseph Golyan, a 64-year-old gastroenterologist from Great Neck, has been charged with grand larceny for allegedly collecting over $100,000 in Social Security Disability and Early Retirement benefits while continuing to work and bill Medicare for more than $700,000 in patient care between 2021 and 2025.
Golyan was arraigned Monday before Judge Michele Johnson on charges including Grand Larceny in the Second Degree and two counts of Grand Larceny in the Third Degree. He pleaded not guilty, was released to pre-trial services, and ordered to surrender his passport. His next court appearance is scheduled for June 20, 2025. If convicted, Golyan faces 3 to 15 years in prison.
“This defendant allegedly claimed disability benefits while maintaining a lucrative medical practice,” said DA Donnelly. “Millions rely on these funds legitimately, and Golyan is accused of exploiting the system to supplement his lavish lifestyle. We thank the Social Security Administration and Health and Human Services Inspectors General for their collaboration in this case.”
Special Agents Amy Connelly (SSA-OIG) and Naomi Gruchacz (HHS-OIG) praised the investigation and pledged ongoing efforts to combat healthcare fraud.
The investigation revealed that Golyan applied for Disability benefits in 2023 and Early Retirement benefits in 2022, falsely claiming he could not work and had no bank accounts. SSA approved his claims, resulting in monthly payments between $2,920 and $3,101.
In January 2022, Golyan admitted working as a part-time independent contractor physician, earning about $6,000 annually, leading SSA to reverse his benefits and determine an overpayment of $42,862. Despite this, Golyan reapplied for benefits in 2023, claiming injuries from a car accident, and received $66,801 in Disability payments.
Meanwhile, Medicare records show Golyan billed over $700,000 for services under his own and three other medical entities’ National Provider Identifiers from 2021 to mid-2024.
Due to failing to report work and earnings, Golyan allegedly received more than $100,000 in unentitled benefits from September 2021 through May 2025.
Golyan surrendered to Nassau County detectives on June 9, 2025. The case is prosecuted by Unit Chief Christine Burke, with oversight from Major Financial Frauds Bureau Chief Maureen McCormack and Executive Assistant DA Rick Whelan. Golyan was represented by the Legal Aid Society at arraignment.
The charges remain accusations until proven in court.
