CRIME & LAW

Federal prosecutors expand Minnesota Medicaid fraud investigation

PUBLISHED Dec 18, 2025, 1:39 PM ET

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MINNEAPOLIS, Federal prosecutors announced Thursday that they charged five additional defendants and expanded an investigation into alleged widespread fraud across multiple Minnesota Medicaid waiver programs. Investigators said Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services data dating to 2018 flagged 14 programs and about $18 billion in claims, including over $3.5 billion in 2024, for potential fraud. Officials said some defendants pocketed funds—about $750,000 in one case—and one submitted $1.4 million in claims and fled after a subpoena. The Justice Department and partner agencies said the probe follows earlier charges and continues this week. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

By Neha R. | JQJO News

Timeline of Events

CMS claims data from 2018 onward were reviewed and flagged 14 waiver programs.
September: Eight defendants were charged earlier in related Minnesota Medicaid schemes.
Thursday: Federal prosecutors announced five new defendants charged in the housing services fraud case.
Prosecutors reported about $18 billion in flagged claims since 2018, including $3.5 billion in 2024.
Federal agencies continue interagency investigations, subpoenas, and asset-tracing to pursue prosecutions and recover funds.

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Who Benefited

Federal investigators and taxpayers could benefit if seized assets are recovered and prosecutions restore funds to intended Medicaid services.

Who Impacted

Medicaid recipients and vulnerable Minnesotans relying on waiver services suffered reduced access and resources as alleged fraud diverted program funds.