As both Michigan and Florida continue to debate the elimination or reduction of PIP benefits, what becomes apparent to those of us in the business of conducting Michigan PIP claims investigations is that fraud is the single biggest cost component and the real driver behind the increasing costs of personal injury protection insurance. Organized medical provider fraud, the same type that is victimizing medicaid and medicare, is the major contributing factor. it is followed closely by fraudulent claims filed by unscrupulous people who are hoping to benefit from the system. Michigan and Florida residents are bombarded with ads on TV, radio, billboards and bus stops with attorneys promising big money for injuries incurred in a car accident. In this environment, what is needed is more surveillance of suspicious PIP claims and an increase in the investigation of suspect medical providers through similar means and through increased Medical clinic investigations.
