CDI Halts Alleged Fraud Schemes

California Insurance Commissioner Steve Poizner reported that an alleged fraud perpetrator has been arraigned for committing insurance fraud. Dr. Jon Fields, 53, of West Hills, reportedly filed a long term disability claim with his insurance carrier, UnumProvident Corporation, for an alleged injury he suffered in 2001. According to insurance company records, Fields claimed that his injury prohibited him from continuing his work as a chiropractor from September 2001 until May, 2005. During this time period, UnumProvident reportedly paid Fields more than $298,000 in benefits. The CDI investigation revealed that Fields allegedly continued treating patients while collecting benefits. On Dec. 12, 2007, Fields surrendered himself to CDI investigators, and subsequently was booked on multiple counts of insurance fraud and one count of grand theft. Fields was arraigned on Jan. 7, 2008, and his next court appearance is scheduled for April 10, 2008. If convicted, Fields could be sentenced up to five years in state prison, a fine of up to $50,000, and court-ordered restitution to UnumProvident.

* In another case, Poizner reported the arraignment of a fraud perpetrator for reportedly scamming two insurance carriers, UnumProvident and Liberty Mutual, out of more than $117,000. A CDI investigation revealed that after allegedly suffering an injury in 2004, Dr. Alice Berkowitz of Los Angeles filed claims with two private insurance carriers for long-term disability. Berkowitz reportedly claimed that her injuries resulted in her inability to work as a clinical psychologist for the remainder of 2004. During the period of Berkowitz's alleged injury, she collected more than $117,000 in benefits from two insurance companies. CDI investigators reportedly discovered that Dr. Berkowitz continued treating patients during the time she claimed to have been injured. The investigation further revealed that Berkowitz reportedly received payments from as many as 40 patients, amounting to more than $140,000. On Dec. 11, 2007, Berkowitz surrendered to CDI fraud investigators and was booked on multiple counts of insurance fraud and grand theft. On Jan. 3, 2008, Berkowitz was arraigned in Los Angeles County Superior Court. If convicted, Berkowitz could be sentenced to up to five years in state prison, a fine of up to $50,000, and court-ordered restitution to the insurance companies she allegedly defrauded. Berkowitz's next court hearing is scheduled for March 6, 2008 in Los Angeles County.