Michigan Physician Charged with Disability Insurance Fraud

Dr. Rainna Furnari Brazil, a 57-year-old osteopathic physician based in Sylvan Lake, Michigan, finds herself at the center of serious legal allegations after being charged with multiple counts of false pretenses and insurance fraud. Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel has brought charges against Brazil, accusing her of deceitfully obtaining disability insurance payments totaling more than $300,000 from the Unum Life Insurance Company of America between 2018 and 2021. Despite claims of disability, Brazil allegedly resumed her work as a physician while still receiving these payments, repeatedly lying to the insurance company about her employment status.

Brazil’s arraignment took place on March 4 in the 48th District Court in Bloomfield Township, facing serious charges, including two counts of false pretenses with fraud amounts ranging significantly, and additional counts related to tax evasion and insurance fraud. This case highlights the broader implications of insurance fraud, as pointed out by Nessel, stressing that such fraudulent activities inflate insurance costs for honest consumers and claimants alike.

The Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services Fraud Investigation Unit played a crucial role in referring this case to the Attorney General’s office, underlining the state’s commitment to tackling insurance fraud and protecting the integrity of disability insurance coverage. The case serves as a stark reminder of the financial and legal consequences of insurance fraud, not only for the perpetrators but also for the broader community of insurance consumers in Michigan and beyond.