MBIPC Applauds DIFS Investigation, Successful Prosecution of Auto Insurance Scammer

MBIPC Applauds DIFS Investigation, Successful Prosecution of Auto Insurance Scammer

Appropriately addressing legitimate fraud is key to lowering premium rates—not arbitrary fee schedules that punish severely injured accident survivors

BRIGHTON, Mich.—(Jan. 27, 2022)—The Michigan Brain Injury Provider Council today applauded the news that an investigation by the Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services has resulted in the successful prosecution of insurance scammer Amelia Zea-Behnke of Delta Township.

“As we’ve said many times before, there is no place for fraud in the auto insurance system and those who are found guilty of it—whether they’re consumers, medical providers, or insurance companies—must be held accountable,” said MBIPC president Tom Judd. “Ethical providers are staunch supporters of Michigan’s anti-fraud efforts, which the insurance reform law thankfully strengthened. What we don’t support are government-mandated price fixes like the one that went into effect in July 2021, which has resulted in the catastrophic care crisis, business closures, and the loss of frontline medical worker jobs during the height of the pandemic.”

Zea-Behnke, who submitted fraudulent claims seeking reimbursement for providing attendant care services to her son, pled guilty to one count of false pretenses in Oct. 2021. Her plea bargain included the payment of $15,498.75 in restitution to the defrauded insurance company.