LANSING, Mich. (WLNS) — Three Michigan residents have been charged with Medicaid fraud following an app-based transportation scheme.
Legal professional Normal Dana Nessel studies that Bernice Marie Pate, 51, of Inkster, Wanda Rose Spivey, 55, of Taylor, and Ashley Eliza Mendoza, 34, of Detroit, have been arraigned within the 54B District Courtroom in East Lansing for allegedly exploiting a Medicaid transportation program.
The Michigan Medicaid program offers mileage reimbursement when customers journey to eligible medical appointments. In some circumstances, a smartphone app is made out there to trace mileage to those appointments utilizing the built-in GPS.
The defendants allegedly used an app to trick a cellphone into considering it was someplace it was not and submitted reimbursement requests for journeys that by no means occurred.
“Taking advantage of a program designed to help those in need get to necessary medical services is deplorable,” stated Nessel in a information launch despatched to six Information.
“I commend the DHHS Office of Inspector General for their work on this case. This remains an active investigation, and my office is committed to holding those who engaged in this conduct accountable.”
Pate has been charged with ten counts of Medicaid fraud – false declare, every a four-year felony. Spivey and Mendoza have been charged with 5 counts of Medicaid fraud – false declare. Every of the defendants was given a $50,000.00 private recognizance bond and is subsequent as a consequence of seem in courtroom on October 17.
