DOJ Unveils Largest U.S. Healthcare Fraud Takedown Targeting Medicare and Medicaid

The U.S. Department of Justice has announced the largest coordinated healthcare fraud crackdown in its history, charging 324 defendants for schemes involving $14.6 billion in false claims targeting programs administered by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).

This extensive investigation uncovered nearly $3 billion in false claims and the illegal distribution of over 15 million pills. CMS, which administers $1.7 trillion in disbursements, has established a Fraud War Room to enhance its efforts against such fraud schemes.

The FBI led coordinated enforcement efforts across 50 federal districts, resulting in $245 million seized, and charges against 96 medical professionals. This multi-agency operation underscores increased regulatory vigilance and enforcement in healthcare fraud impacting Medicare and Medicaid programs.