Three people are accused of defrauding Michigan’s Medicaid transportation program by exploiting its mileage reimbursement system. Bernice Marie Pate of Inkster, Wanda Rose Spivey of Taylor, and Ashley Eliza Mendoza of Detroit have been charged with multiple counts of Medicaid Fraud – False Claim. Officials said the defendants used another app to trick the program’s GPS system and claim payments for trips that did not occur, according to the Department of Attorney General.
An investigation by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General, led to charges against three people accused of manipulating a Medicaid smartphone app used to reimburse travel to medical facilities. Officials said the suspects used other software to deceive the system and receive money illegally. All three have been arraigned and are scheduled to return to court later this month. Attorney General Dana Nessel said, “Taking advantage of a program designed to help those in need get to necessary medical services is deplorable,” as reported by the Department of Attorney General.
Pate, Spivey, and Mendoza were released on personal recognizance bonds and are set to return to court on October 23 for a Probable Cause Conference and Preliminary Examination. The case is being handled by the Health Care Fraud Division of the Michigan Attorney General’s Office, which investigates Medicaid fraud and works to determine whether the charges against them will proceed, as stated by the Department of Attorney General.
