LANSING, Mich. (WXYZ) — Attorney General Dana Nessel charged a doctor Friday with one count of Medicaid fraud involving his participation in the Vaccines for Children (VFC) program.
Detroit physician Ashok Boinpally, M.D, who participated in the VFC program for more than 10 years, was arraigned in 54B District Court in East Lansing on March 15.
Health care providers who participate in the VFC program receive Medicaid-funded vaccines for free to administer to eligible children.
The AG alleged that: "Boinpally was providing the Medicaid-funded vaccines he received through the VFC program to patients covered by private insurance – and then billed those private insurance companies."
Boinpally was also accused of: "He was also providing vaccines he received through the VFC program to Medicaid beneficiaries and then billing Medicaid for those vaccines." Neither action is allowed under the terms of the program.
As a result, Nessel is seeking $67,062.24 in restitution in the case.
“The Medicaid program makes it possible for Michigan families in need to obtain critical medical care,” Nessel said. “When unscrupulous health care providers fraudulently divert Medicaid funding for their own gain, my office will hold them accountable. I want to thank MDHHS and the Division of Immunization for bringing this case to our attention.”
Medicaid fraud has a maximum sentence of four years in prison and/or a $50,000 fine.
