Feds Charge 15 in $90M Minnesota Medicaid, Social Services Fraud Schemes
Federal prosecutors announced charges against 15 Minnesotans for a $90 million Medicaid and social services fraud scheme.
Why it matters: This high-profile case signals aggressive federal action on healthcare fraud, especially for practices touching government benefit programs. Compliance and white collar counsel should note the DOJ's expanded resources and focus.
- 15 defendants face criminal charges for defrauding over $90 million from Medicaid and social service programs in Minnesota.
- Indictments include a $46.6 million fraud targeting the EIDBI program, the largest Medicaid autism fraud case ever charged by DOJ.
- Another defendant allegedly stole $1.4 million from the ICS program, where billed services were not provided to a recipient who was later found deceased.
- DOJ will hire 15 new trial attorneys to bolster efforts against Medicaid fraud nationwide.
The U.S. Department of Justice announced on May 21, 2026, that criminal charges have been filed against 15 individuals in Minnesota, alleging over $90 million in fraud against Medicaid and other state-managed social service programs.
- The charged schemes spanned at least seven state Medicaid programs. The Early Intensive Developmental and Behavioral Intervention (EIDBI) program—involved in a $46.6 million scheme—now faces the nation's largest ever charged Medicaid autism fraud, according to Justice Department officials.
- For the Integrated Community Supports (ICS) program, one defendant is accused of billing $1.4 million in services, including charges after a vulnerable recipient had died. "These alleged con artists stole taxpayer dollars while providing substandard care for children and abandoning at least one Medicaid recipient as they passed away," said Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche.
- Assistant Attorney General Colin McDonald described the Minnesota fraud as "shocking" and suggested further enforcement actions are coming: "This is the beginning of our work in Minnesota."
- Marking a staff increase, DOJ's Health Care Fraud Section will hire 15 new trial attorneys to intensify the fight against Medicaid fraud nationwide (more details).
Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. called the arrests "the largest autism fraud bust in American history," highlighting the seriousness of federal oversight in the social services sector.
For law firms and compliance professionals, the case underscores both the rising scrutiny on healthcare-related fraud and the importance of rigorous oversight and prevention programs.
By the numbers:
- $90M — Total alleged Medicaid and social service fraud in Minnesota schemes
- $46.6M — Largest-ever Medicaid autism fraud prosecution by DOJ
- 15 — New trial attorneys the DOJ plans to hire for nationwide fraud enforcement
Yes, but: Identities of the 15 defendants and detailed breakdowns by Medicaid program have not been disclosed.
What's next: Federal officials indicate this case is only the start of expanded fraud enforcement efforts in Minnesota.