DOJ Charges 324 in $14.6B Nationwide Healthcare Fraud Takedown

The Department of Justice announced the largest healthcare fraud takedown in U.S. history, charging 324 defendants, including nearly 100 medical professionals, with involvement in schemes amounting to over $14.6 billion in fraudulent claims targeting Medicare, Medicaid, and other federal health programs. This coordinated effort uncovered transnational criminal organizations that submitted more than $10.6 billion in fake Medicare claims using the stolen identities of over one million Americans nationwide. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services prevented over $4 billion in fraudulent payouts and revoked billing privileges for more than 200 providers as part of the crackdown. Significant arrests were made, including those linked to illegal opioid diversion of over 15 million prescription pills, highlighting the operation’s role in addressing the opioid crisis. The DOJ, supported by Health and Human Services, emphasized the impact of healthcare fraud on taxpayers and vulnerable populations while reaffirming their commitment to protecting the integrity of healthcare programs. The bust was announced amid ongoing political debates over Medicaid reform and comes as an effort by the Trump administration to aggressively combat healthcare fraud.