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Newsroom

2023 Nationwide COVID-19 Health Care Fraud Enforcement Action

Media Contact

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

By the Numbers: 18 defendants, 9 federal districts, $490 million in false billing.
A description of a COVID test kit scheme

The Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General participated alongside key law enforcement partners in the 2023 National COVID-19 Health Care Fraud Enforcement Action. This action resulted in criminal charges brought against doctors and providers for false billings and Provider Relief Fund (PRF) fraud, manufacturers of fake COVID-19 vaccination record cards, and individuals who fraudulently charged Medicare for over-the-counter COVID-19 testing kits, with losses exceeding $203 million.

18 defendants across 9 federal districts were charged for their alleged participation in these fraud schemes, resulting in $490 million false billings to federal programs as well as theft from pandemic assistance programs.

Last updated June 7, 2023