On May 21, the Justice Department announced criminal charges against 15 defendants for alleged health care fraud schemes involving more than $90 million in intended loss. The cases include what the DOJ describes as the two largest Medicaid fraud cases ever charged in Minnesota and the largest autism fraud scheme ever prosecuted by federal authorities.

Vice President J.D. Vance chairs President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a White House-backed initiative that the Justice Department says directly drove this crackdown.

The charges targeted owners of child care centers and various Medicaid providers who allegedly defrauded federal health programs. The Justice Department also announced a significant expansion of its Health Care Fraud Section, allocating resources to hire 15 new Trial Attorneys nationwide to combat Medicaid fraud.

“Today, we are holding scammers accountable who ripped off the American taxpayer and harmed those deserving legitimate assistance from these programs,” said Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche.

The DOJ reported that its Health Care Fraud Strike Force Program has charged over 6,200 defendants since 2007, who collectively billed federal health care programs and private insurers more than $45 billion. This takedown aligns with the National Fraud Enforcement Division established on April 7, which focuses on investigating and prosecuting those who steal or fraudulently misuse taxpayer dollars under President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud.

All defendants remain presumed innocent until proven guilty in court, but the administration has emphasized that programs meant for children and patients are not open to exploitation.