Minnesota has uncovered a massive fraud scheme that siphoned billions of taxpayer dollars from the state’s autism care program, marking the largest such operation in U.S. history and intensifying federal efforts to combat waste and abuse.
Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced today that the largest autism fraud bust in American history has occurred in Minnesota, involving a public program whose costs have skyrocketed from $38.1 million in 2020 to an estimated $442 million by 2026.
According to Kennedy, investigators uncovered brazen schemes where fraudulent claims were submitted for non-existent services, fake diagnoses, and counterfeit care while criminals enriched themselves at public expense. The Early Intervention Program is a publicly funded system designed to provide support for infants and toddlers with developmental delays or disabilities.
“The recent arrests represent the largest autism fraud bust in American history,” Kennedy stated. “This was an organized theft that exploited the most vulnerable, deceived families, stole taxpayer dollars meant to help children with autism access legitimate care and support.”
The crackdown on Minnesota’s autism fraud scheme is part of a broader federal initiative targeting waste, fraud, and abuse nationwide. Minnesota has been a focal point for welfare fraud investigations, particularly within its Somali community. Just days ago, two women from Minnesota’s Somali population were arrested for allegedly siphoning $21 million through a Medicaid fraud scheme.
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche confirmed that elected Democrats—including Governor Tim Walz and Sonia-born Representative Ilhan Omar—could face indictment over welfare fraud in the state, alongside other officials deemed complicit or negligent.
