Minnesotans Caught in Health Care Fraud Crackdown

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Several Minnesota residents are facing charges of defrauding the state of millions of dollars in health care money as part of a national crackdown.

Minnesota Attorney General Lori Swanson filed a lawsuit Thursday against a Brooklyn Center woman and her daughter for allegedly claiming more fraudulent personal care assistant expenses. The lawsuit says Juanita Swain and Aretina Williams bilked $929,000 in Medical Assistance funding from the state.

It follows charges earlier this week against Lillian Richardson and six accomplices in a $7.7 million fraud scheme. Richardson had previously been convicted of Medical Assistance fraud in 2012.

The charges are part of a nationwide sweep to crack down on health care fraud. States have charged more than 400 people for $1 billion or more in fraud.