The federal government’s Medicaid program provides health insurance to millions of low-income and disabled Americans. Here in Michigan, the program is administered by the state.
A 40-year-old woman who lives about an hour east of Ann Arbor was recently arrested on Medicaid fraud charges, law enforcement officials said. She is also accused of embezzlement from a vulnerable adult, and other charges.
According to a Detroit TV station, the woman pocketed payments that were intended for Cambridge North Healthcare Center patients. The facility had apparently contacted police complaining that payments made to the facility on behalf of patients were not being entered into its accounts receivable.
The news report stated that an investigation reveal that among the suspect’s job duties at the center was to accept Medicaid payments on behalf of patients. Officials believe she kept cash payments.
They also believe she billed Medicaid more than $600,000 over a five-year period to cover her alleged activities.
Police said that when the woman was taken into custody, a search resulted in the discovery that she was in possession of cocaine. She was also charged with possession of a Schedule I drug.
“Those who steal from Medicaid are stealing from Michigan’s most needy families,” said Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette in a statement.
She faces the very real possibility of a lengthy prison sentence if she is convicted on all charges.
Anyone in a similar predicament should speak with a skilled attorney experienced in white collar defense before speaking with police and prosecutors.