Nessel charges Michigan doctor in vaccine scheme

Attorney General Dana Nessel last Friday charged Detroit physician Ashok Boinpally, M.D, with one count of Medicaid Fraud arising from his participation in the Vaccines for Children (VFC) program. Health care providers who participate in the program receive Medicaid-funded vaccines, at no cost, to administer to eligible children.

Boinpally participated in the VFC program for more than 10 years. The attorney general alleges 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. He was also providing vaccines he received through the VFC program to Medicaid beneficiaries and then billing Medicaid for those vaccines. Neither practice is allowed under the terms of the VFC program. The case filed by the attorney general will seek $67,062.24 in restitution.

The matter was referred to the Attorney General’s Office by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services’ (MDHHS) Division of Immunization after its investigation revealed evidence of fraud.

“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.”

Boinpally was arraigned in 54B District Court in East Lansing last Friday, March 15, before Judge Richard Ball and provided a $10,000 personal recognizance bond.

Boinpally waived his preliminary examination and his circuit court arraignment. Medicaid Fraud carries a maximum sentence of four years in prison and/or a $50,000 fine.