A physician in Saginaw, Michigan, has been formally charged with 23 counts of Medicaid fraud after investigators alleged that the doctor submitted false claims for telephone visits. The fraudulent billing is believed to have taken place between late May and late September 2024.

According to prosecutors, the claims were submitted for services that were either not provided or billed at a higher rate than allowed under Medicaid rules. Each count carries a potential penalty of up to four years in prison and a fine of $50,000, meaning the physician could face significant prison time and financial penalties if found guilty.

The doctor was arraigned earlier this week, and the case is now moving through the court system. Key dates include a probable cause conference scheduled for August 22, 2025, followed by a preliminary examination on August 28, 2025. Both hearings will help determine whether the case advances to trial.

Medicaid fraud cases like this highlight ongoing concerns about improper billing in healthcare. Federal and state agencies have stepped up enforcement efforts, noting that fraudulent claims not only cost taxpayers but also undermine trust in medical providers.

If convicted, the Saginaw physician would also face long-term consequences beyond fines and prison time, including potential loss of medical licensure.