BUSTED: 71-Year-Old Michigan Woman Milked Medicare for $1.4 M

It's no secret that healthcare is BIG business, but when you think of a criminal mastermind, you're likely not thinking of healthcare professionals who should look out for your best interest (though they do wear masks). Enter Mary Smettler-Bolton, who, according to an FBI Detroit press release, is the 71-year-old from Oakland County who traded trust and support for cold, hard cash.

Smettler-Bolton recently received a guilty verdict for her role in a healthcare kickback scheme that CBS Detroit said inflated her bank account but left Medicare about $1.4 million short.

How a 71-year-old Michigan Woman Milked Medicare for Millions

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You're probably wondering how she did it. Well, Smettler-Bolton would refer Medicare beneficiaries to Metro Detroit health companies in exchange for "thank you" payments. This is a big no-no and an Anti-Kickback Statute (AKS) violation, which means she's facing federal charges.

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To put that $1.4 million in perspective, according to GoodRx, you could afford to pay out of pocket for a colonoscopy for you and 499 of your friends with that kind of money. I'll pass, but thanks.

The Healthcare Fraud Crackdown Continues, Detroit-Style

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The FBI Detroit Field Office and the Department of Health and Human Services didn't just stumble onto this case. They've been cracking down on fraudsters through the Medicare Fraud Strike Force. According to the FBI Detroit press release, they have taken down more than 5,400 defendants responsible for more than $27 billion in fraudulent crime.

So, the next time you hear about a Medicare kickback scheme, remember: it's all fun and games until you're getting fitted for an orange jumpsuit.

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