# Minnesota Medicaid fraud allegations

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/minnesota-medicaid-fraud-allegations
> Updated: 2026-08-26T23:02:16.000Z. Sources: 14. Developments: 2.

Debate has emerged regarding the scale of Medicaid fraud in Minnesota. Political figures have frequently cited a figure of $9 billion in fraudulent activity, a claim stemming from a December 2025 news conference. During that briefing, then-First Assistant U.S. Attorney Joe Thompson suggested that of the $18 billion sent to Minnesota through 14 high-risk programs since 2018, the amount stolen could be “on the order of half or more.”

However, investigative tracking indicates that currently prosecuted cases total less than $500 million. The largest identified case is the Feeding Our Future matter, which involves approximately $250 million to $300 million.

## Claims

- A Florida grand jury concluded that the DeSantis administration misappropriated $10 million in taxpayer money. (corroborated by 11 sources)
- The grand jury found insufficient evidence to bring criminal charges because no one would take responsibility for the decision to divert the funds. (corroborated by 11 sources)
- The diverted funds were used to support political committees opposing Amendment 3, a 2024 measure to legalize recreational marijuana. (corroborated by 10 sources)
- The $10 million originated from a $67 million settlement with Centene Corporation regarding Medicaid overbilling. (corroborated by 6 sources)
- James Uthmeier, the former chief of staff and current Attorney General, was linked to the political committees that received the funds. (corroborated by 6 sources)
- Attorney General Ashley Moody was aware of and approved the scheme. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Governor Ron DeSantis rejected the grand jury findings, calling the matter a 'hoax'. (single source)
- The grand jury recommended that Florida lawmakers strengthen rules for governing state settlement money. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-08-26: Florida grand jury finds DeSantis administration misappropriated $10M

A Florida grand jury found the DeSantis administration misappropriated $10 million from a Medicaid settlement for political use, though no criminal charges will be filed due to lack of evidence.

12 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/florida-grand-jury-finds-10-million-in-medicaid-funds-diverted-for-political-use

### 2026-08-25: Minnesota Medicaid fraud claims center on $9 billion figure

Political leaders have cited a $9 billion Medicaid fraud figure in Minnesota, a claim stemming from a 2025 comment regarding high-risk state programs, though prosecuted cases currently total under $500 million.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/minnesota-medicaid-fraud-claims-center-on-9-billion-figure

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Cite as: Minnesota Medicaid fraud allegations. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/minnesota-medicaid-fraud-allegations