Trump administration charges 455 people, including doctors, with $6.5 billion in healthcare fraud

June 23, 2026 - 21:10

The Justice Department announced charges on Tuesday against 455 individuals, including dozens of doctors, for their alleged roles in healthcare fraud schemes and opioid abuse totaling 6.5 billion dollars. The sweeping enforcement action marks one of the largest coordinated takedowns in the Trump administration's ongoing push to cut down on waste and abuse in federal health programs.

According to officials, the cases span 41 federal districts and involve fraudulent billing for expensive medical equipment, unnecessary prescriptions, and kickback schemes. More than 100 of the defendants were accused of illegally prescribing opioids or defrauding Medicare and Medicaid. The charges also include 24 doctors who were allegedly involved in schemes that bilked the government out of millions.

Attorney General Jeff Sessions said the operation sends a clear message that the government will not tolerate those who steal from taxpayer-funded health programs while fueling the opioid crisis. He noted that the 6.5 billion dollar figure represents both actual losses and intended losses from the alleged fraud.

The announcement comes as the administration continues to prioritize healthcare fraud enforcement, with officials vowing to use data analytics and undercover operations to catch violators. The cases will now move through the federal court system.