News Summary
South Carolina is at the forefront of a massive health care fraud operation, with the Department of Justice charging 324 individuals nationwide. The crackdown, known as the 2025 National Health Care Fraud Takedown, has revealed over $14.6 billion in alleged fraudulent billings. In South Carolina, two individuals have been charged for defrauding Medicare and the Veterans Administration, leading to substantial financial losses and affected vulnerable citizens. This extensive law enforcement action highlights the ongoing commitment to maintaining the integrity of health care services across the nation.
South Carolina is at the center of the largest health care fraud takedown in U.S. history, following a major crackdown by the Department of Justice (DOJ) that has resulted in the charging of 324 individuals across the nation. The operation, dubbed the 2025 National Health Care Fraud Takedown, has implicated various parties in fraudulent schemes that have led to over $14.6 billion in alleged false billings and the diversion of more than 15 million pills of controlled substances. The government has successfully seized $245 million in cash and assets related to these fraudulent activities.
Among those charged are two South Carolinians: Tina Marie Armstrong, 67, from Florence, and Dee Alice Moton, 51, originally from Hephzibah, Georgia, but operating her business in Aiken, South Carolina. Armstrong faces accusations of health care fraud and aggravated identity theft. She allegedly filed fraudulent claims to Medicare and Medicaid through her business, Safe at Home Medical Equipment and Supplies, LLC. It is claimed that she submitted $198,981.55 in claims for durable medical equipment that was either never delivered or lacked the necessary physician authorization. Out of these claims, $104,577.74 was paid out.
In a separate case, Moton has also been charged with health care fraud. She is accused of billing the Veterans Administration for services that were never rendered, with total false claims amounting to $2,373,147.22 over a two-year period. Moton owned and operated a massage therapy business called Flowing Hands Massage Clinical Therapy. Investigations revealed that she billed for services that did not occur, including therapy for patients who did not require wheelchairs and aquatic therapy despite her clinic lacking a pool facility.
The prosecution of Armstrong’s case is being handled by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of South Carolina, with Assistant U.S. Attorney Winston Holliday leading the charge. Meanwhile, Moton’s case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Scott Matthews and Amy Bower.
The fraudulent activities uncovered in South Carolina are part of a broader national trend involving falsified claims targeting Medicare, Medicaid, and the Veterans Administration. Nine individuals have been arrested in North and South Carolina as part of this investigation, facing charges related to conspiring to defraud Medicaid programs through the submission of claims for non-existent services.
Health care fraud is described as a severe breach of public trust, stealing resources meant for vulnerable citizens, particularly veterans. Such fraudulent acts not only undermine the integrity of health care systems but also affect legitimate patients who depend on these programs. The DOJ’s extensive investigation and the resulting arrests serve as a testament to law enforcement’s commitment to safeguarding health care programs and ensuring accountability within the system.
The nationwide operation reflects an ongoing vigilance against health care fraud. Investigators are dedicated to preserving the integrity of health care services and protecting the interests of patients and taxpayers alike. The developments in South Carolina underscore the critical nature of addressing fraud in the health care sector, aiming to deter similar future offenses and maintain trust in vital health services.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- WPDE: Florence Woman Arrested in National Health Care Fraud Takedown
- Wikipedia: Health Care Fraud
- SC Daily Gazette: 11 Charged with Defrauding SC Health Care Systems
- Google Search: Health Care Fraud News
- WIS TV: Two South Carolina Cases Part of Largest Healthcare Fraud Takedown in History
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Fraud
- WBTV: Multiple North & South Carolina Residents Arrested in Alleged Healthcare Fraud Bust
- Google News: Health Care Fraud South Carolina
- MSN: Two South Carolina Cases Part of Largest Healthcare Fraud Takedown in History
