California Charges 21 in $267 Million Hospice Fraud Scheme
California officials have charged 21 individuals with involvement in a massive hospice fraud scheme that defrauded the state of approximately $267 million. Attorney General Rob Bonta announced the arrests, noting that five suspects have already been detained. The investigation revealed that perpetrators purchased stolen identities of non-California residents from the dark web to enroll them in Medi-Cal. They subsequently acquired 14 hospice companies to bill for services rendered to these fake patients. The charges include conspiracy, health care fraud, money laundering, and identity theft. This crackdown occurs amidst heightened scrutiny from the Trump administration regarding California's handling of federal benefit program fraud. Governor Gavin Newsom emphasized the state's commitment to protecting taxpayer dollars and vulnerable populations. This action is part of a broader nationwide effort by federal and state authorities to combat improper spending in health care programs.
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California Charges 21 in $267 Million Hospice Fraud Scheme
California officials have charged 21 individuals with involvement in a massive hospice fraud scheme that defrauded the state of approximately $267 million. Attorney General Rob Bonta announced the arrests, noting that five suspects have already been detained. The investigation revealed that perpetrators purchased stolen identities of non-California residents from the dark web to enroll them in Medi-Cal. They subsequently acquired 14 hospice companies to bill for services rendered to these fake patients. The charges include conspiracy, health care fraud, money laundering, and identity theft. This crackdown occurs amidst heightened scrutiny from the Trump administration regarding California's handling of federal benefit program fraud. Governor Gavin Newsom emphasized the state's commitment to protecting taxpayer dollars and vulnerable populations. This action is part of a broader nationwide effort by federal and state authorities to combat improper spending in health care programs.
AP News