gpw, here's your word of the day:
Munchausen syndrome by proxy / Fabricated or Induced Illness
Nicely done, although doesn't it usually refer to faking illness in one's self (Munchausen syndrome) or one's children (by proxy) strictly for attention rather then personal monetary gain? Well, that's how I use it when I throw it down in random conversations in order to impress people anyways.
I don't know which is more fucked up, but remember that nurse a few years ago who is/was pretty much a poster child for Munchausen by proxy? It's kind of fucked that it took so long for the hospital to catch on.