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2017 National Health Care Fraud Takedown

HHS OIG agents with the text "2017 National Healthcare Fraud Takedown" (top left))

Media Contact


media@oig.hhs.gov
202-619-0088

The Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General, along with our state and federal law enforcement partners, participated in the largest health care fraud takedown in history in July 2017. More than 400 defendants in 41 federal districts were charged with participating in fraud schemes involving about $1.3 billion in false billings to Medicare and Medicaid. OIG also issued exclusion notices to 295 doctors, nurses, and other providers based on conduct related to opioid diversion and abuse.

Graphic showing takedown statistics

Takedowns protect Medicare and Medicaid and deter fraud -- sending a strong signal that theft from these taxpayer-funded programs will not be tolerated. The money taxpayers spend fighting fraud is an excellent investment: For every $1.00 spent on health care-related fraud and abuse investigations in the last three years, more than $5.00 has been recovered.

Additional Resources

Last updated March 4, 2021