U.S. prosecutors have charged more than 400 people with taking part in health care fraud and opioid scams that totaled $1.3 billion in false billing.
In Michigan, 32 people are facing charges for their fraudulent activity, totaling about $218 million in false claims. In one case in the state, six doctors are accused of a scheme to prescribe unnecessary opioids.
A Florida rehab facility is alleged to have recruited addicts with gift cards and visits to strip clubs, leading to $58 million in false treatments and tests.
Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced the charges Thursday. Officials say those charged include more than 120 people involved in prescribing and distributing narcotics. In prepared remarks, Sessions calls it the "largest health care fraud takedown operation in American history."
Sessions says nearly 300 health care providers are being suspended or banned from participating in federal health care programs.
