Michigan Medicaid False Claims Act

The Michigan Medicaid False Claims Act attempts to root out false Medicaid claims.

Medicaid is a program in the United States that provides health care for individuals and families below a certain income level. However, many have tried to take advantage of the program. In response, many states have passed measures to combat this practice, including Michigan.

False claims

The Michigan Medicaid False Claims Act, which was passed in 1977, makes it illegal to submit a false or fraudulent claim to the state's Medicaid program. It also makes it illegal for someone to offer or accept a bride in exchange for a Medicaid referral.

Fines

Someone found in violation of the law could be penalized more than three times the amount it cost the state to process the fraudulent claim. In addition, people who report others who break the law could receive 15 to 25 percent of the amount the state recovered from the false claim.

Updates

Over the years, Michigan lawmakers have amended the act. The latest amendment in 2008 brought the law into compliance with federal regulations. Namely, the amendments made it easier for the Michigan's attorney general to root out individuals who filed false claims.

References

• Phillips & Cohen LLP: State false claims laws
• Miller Canfield: Michigan Medicaid False Claims Act Revisions