Dearborn, MI – Congressman John D. Dingell (D-MI15) praised law enforcement today after a federal jury in Detroit convicted Juan De Oleo and Dr. Rosa Genao after they tried to rob the Medicare trust fund in a $2.3 million fraud scheme. 

“Criminals who fraud the Medicare program rob our seniors of millions of dollars every year. These people not only broke the law, but they took advantage of a program that is vital to our communities.

“I applaud the excellent work of the Medicare Fraud Strike Force in protecting taxpayer dollars. This is an example of good government in action and it is only the beginning. The Affordable Care Act that was signed into law this year contains an unprecedented set of tough new tools to prevent, detect and take strong enforcement actions against those who cheat Medicare, Medicaid, the Children’s Health Insurance Program, as well as private insurance.”

Congressman Dingell has played a lead role in crafting the anti-fraud provisions in the Affordable Care Act including:  

• Tougher rules and sentences for people who commit health care fraud;
• Better screening tools for fraud prevention;
• Requirements for providers and suppliers to establish plans on how they will prevent fraud;
• Additional resources to allow federal officials to fight fraud; and
• Enhanced oversight of private insurance abuses.
   

The Medicare Fraud Task Force has made Detroit one of its hub cities in its effort to crackdown on those trying to rob beneficiaries. Last year alone, anti-fraud efforts returned more than $2.5 billion to the Medicare Trust Fund—a 29 percent increase over 2008 efforts. Because of the waste, fraud and abuse prevention efforts in the Affordable Care Act, Medicare spending will continue to grow, but at a slightly lower rate. This will help extend the life of the Medicare Trust fund by at least nine years.