Justice Department Charges 324 in $14.6B Nationwide Health Care Fraud Crackdown

The Justice Department has executed the largest coordinated health care fraud takedown in U.S. history, charging 324 individuals, including 96 licensed medical professionals, with involvement in schemes totaling over $14.6 billion in intended losses. The nationwide operation, spanning 50 federal districts and multiple state jurisdictions, resulted in the seizure of more than $245 million in cash, luxury vehicles, cryptocurrency, and other assets, while the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services blocked over $4 billion in fraudulent payments and revoked billing privileges of 205 providers. Among the accused are doctors, pharmacists, telemedicine operators, and medical equipment company owners, with some linked to transnational criminal organizations from Russia, Eastern Europe, and Pakistan that exploited U.S. healthcare programs. Significant fraud schemes included a $10 billion urinary catheter fraud and widespread opioid-related illegal prescription distributions, which authorities say drain critical resources from essential medical programs. Additionally, two nursing home chains agreed to multi-million dollar settlements over allegations of false Medicare cost reporting and failure to provide adequate services, underscoring the ongoing need for vigilance in healthcare compliance. This historic crackdown highlights the Justice Department's commitment under the current administration to protect vulnerable citizens and American taxpayers from healthcare fraud.