Michigan – A Florida woman accused of turning Michigan’s Medicaid transportation reimbursement system into a source of false payments is now facing multiple felony charges in East Lansing.
Julie Evers, 53, of Bradenton, Florida, was arraigned April 11 before Judge Lisa Babcock in 54B District Court, according to Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel.
Prosecutors allege Evers took part in a scheme tied to mileage reimbursement through the Medicaid program while she was living in Farwell, Michigan, during the summer of 2023.
The case centers on a benefit meant to help enrolled Medicaid beneficiaries reach eligible medical appointments. Under the program, participants may receive mileage reimbursement for travel to covered appointments.
In some cases, a smartphone app uses the phone’s GPS to track the trip. Once the travel is completed, the reimbursement is added to a payment card that is mailed to the beneficiary after registration. The card can then be used like a debit card.
Authorities say that system was allegedly manipulated. Evers is accused of participating in a plan in which another app was used to make a phone appear as though it was in a different location. Investigators allege the tactic led to reimbursement payments for trips that did not actually happen.
Evers has been charged with one count of Medicaid Fraud – Conspiracy, which carries a possible penalty of up to 10 years, and ten counts of Medicaid Fraud – False Claim, each punishable by up to four years.
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The matter was referred to the Department of Attorney General by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General. Nessel said the case reflects the state’s broader effort to protect public health care dollars from misuse.
“Improper billing diverts public resources from those in need and siphons off taxpayer funds,” said Attorney General Nessel.
“My office remains committed to working with the Department of Health and Human Services to investigate and prosecute allegations of fraud in this critical program.”
Following her arraignment, Evers was given a $10,000 cash/surety bond. Her next court appearance is scheduled for May 22, 2026, at 8:30 a.m. in 54B District Court for a probable cause conference.
The Attorney General’s Health Care Fraud Division is prosecuting the case. The division is Michigan’s federally certified Medicaid Fraud Control Unit and receives most of its funding through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
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For fiscal year 2026, that includes a federal grant award of $5,517,524, representing 75% of its funding, with the remaining $1,839,170 provided by the State of Michigan.
As with all criminal cases, the charges are allegations. Evers is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.