REP. ROBINSON HELPS ADVANCE PLAN TO PROTECT MICHIGAN DRIVERS FROM INSURANCE FRAUD

The following information was released by the Michigan House of Representatives, the Republicans:

State Rep. Ron Robinson (RUtica) is leading the charge on a bipartisan package to deter insurance fraud, strengthen reporting, and equip law enforcement with better tools to prosecute offenders.

Robinson played a key role in advancing House Bills 47134719 out of the House Insurance Committee this week, helping to build support across party lines and ensure the reforms move forward.

"Insurance fraud drives up costs for every Michigan family," said Robinson. "This bipartisan package puts consumers first by tightening loopholes, improving reporting, and ensuring real penalties for people who cheat the system. I'm proud to help lead this effort and grateful to colleagues on both sides of the aisle for moving it forward."

The package works together to crack down on insurance fraud by expanding the Health Care False Claims Act to cover auto insurers offering personal injury protection (PIP) benefits, creating stronger penalties for fraudulent acts, and protecting those who report fraud in good faith. It also requires mandatory reporting of suspected fraud, allows civil fines for violations, and adds insurance fraud to Michigan's racketeering laws which give prosecutors and regulators more tools to fight organized schemes that drive up costs for families.

House Bill 4713, sponsored by Robinson, updates the Health Care False Claims Act to include auto insurers that provide PIP coverage in the definition of "health care insurer," enabling stronger enforcement when PIP benefits are involved.

"When fraudsters game the system, everyone pays higher premiums," said Robinson. "These reforms will make it harder to commit fraud and easier to hold criminals accountable, which ultimately means more money stays in the pockets of hardworking Michiganders."